Advent
Advent Week 4 | Sunday Sermon
December 17, 2023 • Erik Miller • John 15:9–17, 1 Peter 3:9, Psalm 16:11, Luke 2:8–14
The Celebration of Christmas refocuses us on real joy which is found in our experience of God’s grace. This Joy comes from a settled assurance that God loves me, is with me, and has forgiven me. Knowing that He is in control of all the details of my life and is working in everything for my good and His glory gives our hearts peace. No matter what lies in the days ahead - God with us - can be our constant Joy, enabling us to have ourselves a "Merry Little Christmas!" Prepare for this week’s message by reading Luke 2:8-14 with Psalm 16:11, John 15:9-17, 1 Peter 3-9
Advent Week 3 | Sunday Sermon
December 10, 2023 • Erik Miller • Philippians 2:1–11
Celebrating Christmas is significant because it refocuses our hearts and minds on what is most important—loving people like Jesus loved us. While Christmas trees, lights, presents, fun, food, gifts, etc. make something a celebration or festival, and can enhance our Christmas celebration—they are not essential for celebrating Jesus. The true Christmas Spirit is being rooted in the sacrifice of Jesus coming to earth and becoming human—for us—and living/loving out of that truth. The attitude of love, self-sacrifice, and self-giving mirror Emmanuel—God with us. As we focus on the simple parts of Christ’s coming; the little town, the stable, Almighty God taking on flesh, remember that God did all of those things with intention and purpose. He is showing us what Love looks like and how far Love is willing to go for the sake of another. No matter how your December has been or what lies ahead for you, in all things the truth of God’s love for you is secure. To Him be all glory and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord, amen!
Advent Week 2 | Sunday Sermon
December 3, 2023 • Erik Miller • Luke 2:13–14, Colossians 1:15–20, Ephesians 2:14–18, Romans 12:18, Romans 5:1–10
Christmas reminds us of the peace we have through our relationship with Jesus. There are 2 types of peace and both are offered to us; the absence of conflict (in Christ, we are no longer enemies of God) and the deep contentment of soul that comes from knowing Christ and being known by Him.
Advent Week 1 | Sunday Sermon
November 26, 2023 • Erik Miller • Luke 2:1–20
In our culture, we celebrate events and people that are important to us-birthdays, sporting events, holidays, etc. The Jewish feasts in the Bible were reminders of Who God Is and What He Had Done. Passover celebrated God’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt, The Feast of Tabernacles celebrated God’s faithful provision during the desert wanderings. Hanukkah is a celebration of God’s miraculous provision to keep the temple Menorah lit for 8 days with only 1 days provision of oil. Christmas is our reminder of God’s loving and giving character– celebrating Jesus coming to earth as a baby to usher in God’s plan of salvation! Celebrating who God is and what He has done helps to tune and re-tune our hearts to who we are, whose we are, and what is truly important! Join us this advent season as we learn what it means to have ourselves a “Merry Little Christmas” We'll begin our Advent Series this Sunday November, 26th, focusing on The Reason for the Season!