Ancient Christmas
From Ancient Days
December 12, 2021 • Stephen Putbrese
It's common to look at the stories of Jesus' birth recorded in the gospel accounts around Christmas time. But his birth was simply the culmination of longing and expectation of hundreds of years. In other words, the Christmas Story is much bigger than Christmas itself. We begin this series by looking at a prophecy of the birthplace of Jesus - the town of Bethlehem. Over 700 years before Jesus is born, the prophet Micah writes that the Messiah, one to rule over the world, would come from the insignificant and unlikely town of Bethlehem. As amazing as the prophetic accuracy is itself, the meaning and purpose have an even more profound importance for our lives.
Mourning Into Joy
December 19, 2021 • Stephen Putbrese • Jeremiah 31:15–22
We often try to force a cheerful mood at Christmas time - think "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year." The lights, parties, gifts, and music are intended to lift our spirits, but this temporary feeling doesn't last beyond the Christmas season. Even during the season, it's easy to become cynical because we still see all the darkness, trouble, and pain around us in spite of the call to be chipper. The Christian understanding of Christmas offers a better approach. In this ancient text from the prophet Jeremiah, God promises to turn mourning into joy - not simply sugar-coat our lives temporarily, but actually transform the sorrow and pain into gladness and healing. Christmas invites us to mourn and become weak because God promises to turn it into joy in Jesus.
To Us A Child Is Born
December 26, 2021 • Stephen Putbrese • Isaiah 9:1–7
As we finish our Christmas series, we'll further explore the meaning of Jesus' birth from the book of Isaiah. According to Isaiah, the promised savior will not only provide personal salvation, but will also be a world-wide ruler who will bring peace to the nations. Only in Jesus will the world find both justice and peace.