The Cost of Christmas

Calvary Chapel Fluvanna

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The Cost of Christmas

December 18, 2022 • Pastor Steve Feden • Luke 1:26–38

The Cost of Christmas: Mary - Luke 1:26-38

At this time we will open our Bibles together once again to the Gospel of Luke. We will shift our attention from John the Baptist, to Mary and her unique role in the Christmas experience.

If I ask you how much Christmas is going to cost, you would probably think about food, gifts, gas money for traveling, and maybe some other things. The average US adult will spend just under $1000 on gifts this year. Of course they will be free to the people who receive them, but there are many hidden costs along the way!

So let's as again from a spiritual standpoint. How much did Christmas cost? While being free to us, Mary had a choice to make. Usually being pregnant is something couples plan together and enjoy together. Family celebrates the news, and grandparents-to-be are excited. But God had something in mind for Mary that would involve her complete immersion in the Christmas experience, so to speak. She would be completely committed at a high personal cost.

Do you think you would have accepted the opportunity? Would you have presented you body a living sacrifice? Or would God go elsewhere to find a person that would? This is passage contains two verses that have helped me on many, many occasions over the years. What are those verses? Why have they been important to my personal peace......??

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Easter Sunrise Service 7:00am

March 31, 2024 • Pastor Steve Feden

He is Risen!!! He is Risen Indeed. Joy us as we celebrate or Lord's Resurrection Day.

Jesus - "For Such a Time as This!"

December 24, 2023 • Pastor Steve Feden • John 3

"For Such a Time as This - Jesus" - John 3 What did we do before we had cellphones with a flashlight option!? That is the handiest little gadget since someone put an eraser on the top of a pencil! I use it often when I am finding the right key, getting in the car, or looking for something I dropped! But of course I only need it when the current light is insufficient to see with clarity! When our eyes receive the benefit of full light, a flashlight adds nothing to my efforts. But when I am in the dark... In keeping with our theme, there is no better time for light than when we are in the dark. That handy little flashlight function on the phone has proven, over and over again, to be "for such a time as this"...such times of darkness, confusion, uncertainty, lack of clarity. It was God who spoke into the darkness and said, "Let there be light". I think the light of Jesus is still needed for our world, don't you. But what exactly does that mean? John 3 will be our topic of discussion if you can find a way to... ...VIEW and SEE Steve

Mary - "For Such a Time as This!" - Luke 1:26-38

December 20, 2023 • Pastor Steve Feden • Luke 1:26–38

"For Such a Time as This -- Mary" - Luke 1:26-38 As part of the continuing story, we will take a look at Mary and her turning point as we are thinking about the Christmas story. For Joseph, the turning point that allowed God to use him for the special role of "fathering" Jesus, was his willingness to stay with Mary despite the social and cultural challenges, and the confusion. For Joseph, his obedience involved sacrifice -- multiple moves to protect the Son of God, gossip, loss of reputation in the community. Mary's story is a little different. Her obedience involves all of the same sacrificial things, but she must go a step further. It is total commitment of her will and....her body! Is that just for Mary? Maybe that is for women in general? Certainly not for men, though, right? Of course no one can replicate what God did in using the young virgin, Mary, to birth Jesus. But, there is much in scripture about our bodies, and Romans 12:1-2 is just one example! Did I mention that Luke 1:27 is one of those verses I never tire of reflecting on or encouraging others with? Did I mention that I get a chance to tell the story of the chicken and the pig? Why is that verse encouraging? What does this have to do with a chicken and a pig? Hahaha!!! You have to... ..VIEW AND SEE! Steve