God With Us
Christmas 2019
God Is With Us In Times Of Darkness
December 1, 2019 • Bill Williamson • Isaiah 9:1–2
In the beginning God created the sun and the moon, daytime and nighttime. The sun rises, and the sun sets. When the sun sets, there is darkness, but even in the darkness there is the light of the moon. And, throughout the night there is the certainty of the break of day. As we enter into Advent, we are reminded of the darkness of our world. Yet, even in times of darkness, the light of Christ shines, reminding us that God is with us. The light of Christ reminds us, that even though there are times of darkness there is a certainty of a time when we will be in the glorious light of our God for eternity. That is our hope. Things seem to be dim at times in this world, but there will be a time when there will be no more suffering, no more sickness, no more evil or violence, no more sorrow, for we shall be in the presence of God and fully embraced by the glorious light of His countenance. We shall see Him face to face. That is our hope. That is our future. That is what provides us with the ability to run this race with perseverance, even in times of darkness.
Joy To The World
December 8, 2019 • Bill Williamson • Isaiah 9:3–6
God loved us so much that He came to us. There is JOY in knowing that God came to US. We did not have to go to Him. We did not have to find God. He found us. We did not need to ascend the mountain. God descended to us. He came as a baby. Born in a manger. Christ, Immanuel, God With Us. The joy we find in knowing that God came to us, is knowing that He came to us out of love. He did not come because He had to, or because He was obligated. God has loved us with an everlasting love. It is that everlasting love that causes God to keep coming to us even today. He has come to us through the Holy Spirit. He comes to us through Worship. He comes to us through His Word, both written and spoken. He comes to us through one another. This Advent Season God will use you to be with others. He comes to others through us. We may not have to do anything other than to show up, to be present in someone's life, perhaps even during great difficulty. As God has comforted us, so we have the opportunity to comfort others by offering good news of great joy - JESUS CHRIST, IMMANUEL, GOD WITH US.
Bethlehem
December 15, 2019 • Luke
Today we gather together to worship the One who was born in Bethlehem. Like the Magi from long ago, we come to worship the One who was born the King of the Jews. We coming bringing our gifts, humbly bowing before the One who is now the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We come on bended knee, knowing that it is through the infant Jesus that God came to us, Immanuel, God with us. We come with our shouts of praise, knowing that He who was born King of the Jews offered Himself for our sins. We offer ourselves to God, lifting up the name of Jesus, for by His death on the tree, the veil in the Temple has been torn, the dividing wall of separation has been destroyed, and all are invited to come to God's throne of grace to receive mercy in time of need. This morning, you are invited to come and worship with all your heart, soul, mind and body. Experience the wonder of what took place in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. Allow God to reveal the reason of the season as you consider the birth, death and resurrection of Christ.
Peace On Earth
December 22, 2019 • Bill Williamson • Isaiah 9:6–7
God came to earth in Jesus Christ - Immanuel - God With Us. Wrapped in human flesh, Jesus was the manifestation of God. He came proclaiming the Kingdom of God. In Jesus the Kingdom of God was here on earth. That means while on earth Jesus had with Him all the resources of heaven, and the power of God. When anyone accepts Christ into their life, the Holy Spirit is sent from Jesus, as promised. The Holy Spirit, dwelling within someone, also provides all the resources of heaven and the power of God. Christ is indeed within us. As we journey in this world, we have all of the resources of heaven, the riches of heaven, the power of heaven, the glory of heaven at our disposal. As you celebrate the birth of Christ, remember that He lives within you. You live by faith and not by sight. Yet, you also live, "'not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit', says the Lord Almighty." (Zechariah 4.6).