I'm Dreaming of the Right Christmas
Christmas 2021
Living In HISSTORY
January 2, 2022 • Mark Bassett • Romans 8:28, Psalm 105, Genesis 45
Welcome to the New Year! Our prayers for this coming year are similar to our prayers for the past: peace where there is war and hatred, healing for the abused and brokenhearted, an end to the pandemic and strengthening of friendships, families, and face to face relationships, the return of compassion, respect, and civility. We pray, and then we live each day by the grace and power of God to make those prayers a reality. This morning Mark Bassett, a very dear friend of Curt's, will be preaching here at Grace. Mark is the pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian church in Ephrata WA. Mark and Curt, and three other pastors, meet regularly (most months) to support and challenge each other, and to hold one another accountability in their role as pastor, and in their relationship with Jesus. Mark is a scholar, a compassionate pastor, creative, iconoclastic, and someone who first and foremost has a genuine passion for Jesus. Mark and his wife Carrie (a fabulous teacher for kids in the Hutterite community east of Ephrata) have two amazing kids, and even more amazing grandkids. While Mark is preaching at Grace, Curt is in Ephrata preaching there. From the passages Mark will be preaching on: • Psalm 105 "He brought the people out with joy, His chosen ones with singing." • Romans 8 "We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." • Genesis 45 "Don't be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life." We do not know what this new year will bring, but we know Jesus. That is enough!
Living In HISSTORY
January 2, 2022 • Mark Bassett • Romans 8:28, Psalm 105, Genesis 45
Welcome to the New Year! Our prayers for this coming year are similar to our prayers for the past: peace where there is war and hatred, healing for the abused and brokenhearted, an end to the pandemic and strengthening of friendships, families, and face to face relationships, the return of compassion, respect, and civility. We pray, and then we live each day by the grace and power of God to make those prayers a reality. This morning Mark Bassett, a very dear friend of Curt's, will be preaching here at Grace. Mark is the pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian church in Ephrata WA. Mark and Curt, and three other pastors, meet regularly (most months) to support and challenge each other, and to hold one another accountability in their role as pastor, and in their relationship with Jesus. Mark is a scholar, a compassionate pastor, creative, iconoclastic, and someone who first and foremost has a genuine passion for Jesus. Mark and his wife Carrie (a fabulous teacher for kids in the Hutterite community east of Ephrata) have two amazing kids, and even more amazing grandkids. While Mark is preaching at Grace, Curt is in Ephrata preaching there. From the passages Mark will be preaching on: • Psalm 105 "He brought the people out with joy, His chosen ones with singing." • Romans 8 "We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." • Genesis 45 "Don't be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life." We do not know what this new year will bring, but we know Jesus. That is enough!
Christmas Eve (5PM)
December 25, 2021 • Luke 2:1–20
After a month of waiting, a month of preparing ourselves, the miracle of miracle has now arrived. Tonight, on the eve of Christmas, we celebrate the most unique, the most incredible, the most miraculous event in human history. Think about the impact of this one birth on the course of human history. Think about the impact of this one birth on the course of an individual human life. If the universe is not random but divinely created, as we at Grace of Christ, along with hundreds of millions of others, believe. If the divine force that brought the universe and us into existence is not some indifferent impersonal collection of energy but instead a personal Being who loves us, as we at Grace of Christ, along with hundreds of millions of others, believe. If this personal, loving God cared so deeply about us that He voluntarily entered a broken and painful world to restore a relationship we had broken, as we at Grace of Christ, along with hundreds of millions of others, believe. If His love for us was so great that He was willing to sacrifice Himself and submit to death so that we could live, as we at Grace of Christ, along with hundreds of millions of others, believe. If this is True it changes everything. God had a purpose in mind when He created the universe. That purpose included us. We were on His mind, AND IN HIS HEART, when He made the unexpected and unusual, the miraculous decision to be born among us. That God loves us, that God is with us ... changes the course of history, and the course of our lives. Luke chapter 2, "The angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'"
My Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation (10AM)
December 26, 2021 • Curt McFarland • Luke 2:21–40
Yesterday we celebrated Christmas. This morning our Bible passage takes place 8 days later. It was, according to Jewish custom, the time when every male child was taken to the Temple and dedicated to the Lord. It was a remember that everything we have, including our children, are gifts from God, given to us by God. (An important comment when children do not reach their 8th day. Tears for this type of deep loss are real, painful, difficult, life-altering. While the pain lingers, God knows, God grieves, God is present, God cares for that child). When God entered human history as a baby He identified with our weaknesses and frailties. Jesus had to be carried, fed, changed, comforted, protected. On His eight day the required offering was made (it was the offering for those who were poor) and He was officially received into the community of faith. All along their journey as parents, Mary and Joseph were given unmistakable reminders of the uniqueness of their new son. On the day of Jesus' dedication two faithful God followers, Simeon and Anna, added their voices as they declared the miraculous identity and purpose of this child. Simeon announced, " my eyes have seen your salvation." Anna came up and, "began to give thanks to God and speak of Him (the baby Jesus) to all who were waiting for the redemption of Israel." Put that in Jesus' scrapbook! Parenting and life would be difficult enough for Joseph and Mary. They lived under the suspicion and judgment of their neighbors. When Jesus began His public ministry, as He taught and healed, suspicion and judgment increased. But the memories, dreams, visions, prophesies God provided along the way brought encouragement and strength. In our life individually and as a church, God provides strength and encouragement for us too! We need it! Our life and faith depends on it!
Christmas Eve (7PM)
December 25, 2021 • Curt McFarland • Luke 2:1–20
After a month of waiting, a month of preparing ourselves, the miracle of miracle has now arrived. Tonight, on the eve of Christmas, we celebrate the most unique, the most incredible, the most miraculous event in human history. Think about the impact of this one birth on the course of human history. Think about the impact of this one birth on the course of an individual human life. If the universe is not random but divinely created, as we at Grace of Christ, along with hundreds of millions of others, believe. If the divine force that brought the universe and us into existence is not some indifferent impersonal collection of energy but instead a personal Being who loves us, as we at Grace of Christ, along with hundreds of millions of others, believe. If this personal, loving God cared so deeply about us that He voluntarily entered a broken and painful world to restore a relationship we had broken, as we at Grace of Christ, along with hundreds of millions of others, believe. If His love for us was so great that He was willing to sacrifice Himself and submit to death so that we could live, as we at Grace of Christ, along with hundreds of millions of others, believe. If this is True it changes everything. God had a purpose in mind when He created the universe. That purpose included us. We were on His mind, AND IN HIS HEART, when He made the unexpected and unusual, the miraculous decision to be born among us. That God loves us, that God is with us ... changes the course of history, and the course of our lives. Luke chapter 2, "The angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'"
The Birth of John the Baptist (9AM)
December 19, 2021 • Dennis Whitcher • Luke 1:57–80
As kids we can't wait for Christmas to arrive. As adults, it rushes up on us. God planned Christmas a long time ago, and for a very special reason. When Zechariah finally found his tongue, he sang a song of praise that reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas. Last week we looked at Mary’s song, called “The Magnificat,” which she sang after her elder cousin Elizabeth acknowledged the Savior in her womb. Today we will look at Zechariah’s song, called, “The Benedictus,” which is Latin for “praise be.” Zechariah was Elizabeth’s husband. God would give the two of them in their golden years a miracle baby, John the Baptist. I can’t imagine how proud and how excited John the Baptist’s parents were. I would think that the moment that Zechariah was able to talk that he would want to brag on his own son. But the reality is that he actually brags on God first. All of those nine months of silence, pondering the mercy of God, erupted in an overflow of praise to God. And Zechariah’s song of praise highlights some of the most massive categorical truths about God’s mercy and love.
The Birth of John the Baptist (11AM)
December 19, 2021 • Dennis Whitcher • Luke 1:57–80
As kids we can't wait for Christmas to arrive. As adults, it rushes up on us. God planned Christmas a long time ago, and for a very special reason. When Zechariah finally found his tongue, he sang a song of praise that reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas. Last week we looked at Mary’s song, called “The Magnificat,” which she sang after her elder cousin Elizabeth acknowledged the Savior in her womb. Today we will look at Zechariah’s song, called, “The Benedictus,” which is Latin for “praise be.” Zechariah was Elizabeth’s husband. God would give the two of them in their golden years a miracle baby, John the Baptist. I can’t imagine how proud and how excited John the Baptist’s parents were. I would think that the moment that Zechariah was able to talk that he would want to brag on his own son. But the reality is that he actually brags on God first. All of those nine months of silence, pondering the mercy of God, erupted in an overflow of praise to God. And Zechariah’s song of praise highlights some of the most massive categorical truths about God’s mercy and love.
Mary's Song of Justice & Joy (11AM)
December 12, 2021 • Curt McFarland • Luke 1:46–56
At the heart of the Christmas story is a re-working and re-defining of power, privilege, and priorities. God did not take the expected route of power. Instead, He chose a poor, common, unmarried girl named Mary to give birth to the world’s Savior. Jesus’ supposed father was a day laborer. Even His country, the nation of Israel, was powerless, having been beaten, overrun, humiliated, and subjugated, by Rome. God did not take the typical route of privilege. He did not reserve the palace for His arrival as king. Instead, a stable, likely filled with animals, and odd smells, served as the delivery room. The new parents paid the poor man’s fee when their son Jesus was dedicated in the Temple. God upended the priorities of that day, our day too. He did not come into this world to raise an army and claim a throne. He did not seek financial gain. He did not respond to flattery. Instead, He came to serve and save those who had rejected Him. His priorities were always people, relationships, love not fame, fortune, and applause. In the Christmas story we discover we do not need power or privilege. Love is enough. When we understand that our priorities change. God’s way is the way of Joy. Mary filled with the Holy Spirit of God could not contain her joy and amazement. She broke into song … “My Soul magnifies the Lord … He has looked on the humble estate of His servant … He has scattered the proud … brought down the mighty … sent away the rich hungry …” Mary’s heart and mind were so full of Joy that she, through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, reminded us in today's Bible passage of God’s priorities which led Him to the cross. It led Him to us. That’s why Mary sang. That’s why here at Grace we sing too.
Mary's Song of Justice & Joy (9AM)
December 12, 2021 • Curt McFarland • Luke 1:46–56
At the heart of the Christmas story is a re-working and re-defining of power, privilege, and priorities. God did not take the expected route of power. Instead, He chose a poor, common, unmarried girl named Mary to give birth to the world’s Savior. Jesus’ supposed father was a day laborer. Even His country, the nation of Israel, was powerless, having been beaten, overrun, humiliated, and subjugated, by Rome. God did not take the typical route of privilege. He did not reserve the palace for His arrival as king. Instead, a stable, likely filled with animals, and odd smells, served as the delivery room. The new parents paid the poor man’s fee when their son Jesus was dedicated in the Temple. God upended the priorities of that day, our day too. He did not come into this world to raise an army and claim a throne. He did not seek financial gain. He did not respond to flattery. Instead, He came to serve and save those who had rejected Him. His priorities were always people, relationships, love not fame, fortune, and applause. In the Christmas story we discover we do not need power or privilege. Love is enough. When we understand that our priorities change. God’s way is the way of Joy. Mary filled with the Holy Spirit of God could not contain her joy and amazement. She broke into song … “My Soul magnifies the Lord … He has looked on the humble estate of His servant … He has scattered the proud … brought down the mighty … sent away the rich hungry …” Mary’s heart and mind were so full of Joy that she, through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, reminded us in today's Bible passage of God’s priorities which led Him to the cross. It led Him to us. That’s why Mary sang. That’s why here at Grace we sing too.
Nothing Will Be Impossible With God (9AM)
December 5, 2021 • Curt McFarland • Luke 1:26–45
There is something very familiar about the Christmas story... and yet very unfamiliar. The story of that first Christmas is well known. Most could recite the basics. Angels. A young pregnant girl. A long journey to Bethlehem. A first-born son named Jesus. More angels. Shepherds. Wise Men. And yet it is so unfamiliar. None of us has experienced anything like it. What we believe happened that first Christmas is "other-worldly", miraculous, a one-time spectacular history-making, life-changing event. The appearance and message of the angel Gabriel. The fear and uncertainty of the young girl. The promise of a child without the normal means of conception. None of that is normal, routine, familiar. What took place that first Christmas is, let's admit it, impossible. I've never been visited by an angel (although I've met others who have). I've never heard of anyone pregnant apart from the usual means of conception (apart from a few wacky "National Inquirer worthy" stories). To not just hear the Christmas http://story...but to believe it... "For NOTHING will be impossible with God." That hasn't changed! The details of this impossible Christmas story reveal God's nature and heart. HE who has ALL POWER came to us in weakness. He chose Mary and Joseph not King X and Queen Y. HE who is ALL LOVE came and faced unspeakable evil. From His first cry to His last what He did He did for us. This is good news, GREAT NEWS. PEACE!
Nothing Will Be Impossible With God (11AM)
December 5, 2021 • Curt McFarland • Luke 1:26–45
There is something very familiar about the Christmas story... and yet very unfamiliar. The story of that first Christmas is well known. Most could recite the basics. Angels. A young pregnant girl. A long journey to Bethlehem. A first-born son named Jesus. More angels. Shepherds. Wise Men. And yet it is so unfamiliar. None of us has experienced anything like it. What we believe happened that first Christmas is "other-worldly", miraculous, a one-time spectacular history-making, life-changing event. The appearance and message of the angel Gabriel. The fear and uncertainty of the young girl. The promise of a child without the normal means of conception. None of that is normal, routine, familiar. What took place that first Christmas is, let's admit it, impossible. I've never been visited by an angel (although I've met others who have). I've never heard of anyone pregnant apart from the usual means of conception (apart from a few wacky "National Inquirer worthy" stories). To not just hear the Christmas http://story...but to believe it... "For NOTHING will be impossible with God." That hasn't changed! The details of this impossible Christmas story reveal God's nature and heart. HE who has ALL POWER came to us in weakness. He chose Mary and Joseph not King X and Queen Y. HE who is ALL LOVE came and faced unspeakable evil. From His first cry to His last what He did He did for us. This is good news, GREAT NEWS. PEACE!
Your Prayer Has Been Heard (9AM)
November 28, 2021 • Alex Rule • Luke 1:5–25
Good morning and welcome! Today we are celebrating the first day of Advent (HOPE). Together we will be walking each day to experience the arrival of baby Jesus the son of God who is our Lord and Savior. Please do not be afraid asking yourself how to get there, God has already prepared the way (He is the Way) for us. All we must do is not to be afraid, because our prayers have been heard. In today’s story (God’s Story), God will surprise Zachariah by sending the angel Gabriel to speak to him at the most unexpected time and place to give God’s promise of giving to Zachariah a son (John). The fear and nervousness that the priest Zachariah will experience will make him doubt the promise that God is giving him through his Angel. This will cost him to lose the ability to speak until the day that all this thing take place. One of the very important things about it here is the revelation that the angel made to Zacharias. "Don't be afraid Zachariah, because your prayer has been heard."
Your Prayer Has Been Heard (11AM)
November 28, 2021 • Alex Rule • Luke 1:5–25
Good morning and welcome! Today we are celebrating the first day of Advent (HOPE). Together we will be walking each day to experience the arrival of baby Jesus the son of God who is our Lord and Savior. Please do not be afraid asking yourself how to get there, God has already prepared the way (He is the Way) for us. All we must do is not to be afraid, because our prayers have been heard. In today’s story (God’s Story), God will surprise Zachariah by sending the angel Gabriel to speak to him at the most unexpected time and place to give God’s promise of giving to Zachariah a son (John). The fear and nervousness that the priest Zachariah will experience will make him doubt the promise that God is giving him through his Angel. This will cost him to lose the ability to speak until the day that all this thing take place. One of the very important things about it here is the revelation that the angel made to Zacharias. "Don't be afraid Zachariah, because your prayer has been heard."