Drawing from Matthew 2, Robert discusses the significance of the Magi's journey and the spiritual implications of their recognition of Jesus as the Christ, pointing to the universal reach of Jesus's ministry. Additionally, it addresses the challenges Mary and Joseph faced after the birth of Jesus, including their flight to Egypt to escape King Herod's massacre of children, highlighting the realities of suffering and persecution that often accompany faith. Christmas is not just a celebration of Jesus's birth, but a reminder that following Christ can involve trials, yet offers enduring hope and joy despite circumstances.
He Came for Nobody Special
December 15, 2024 • Robert Glenn Smith • Colossians 1:27, Luke 2:1–21, 1 Corinthians 2:7–16
This week Robert explores the feeling of exclusivity that comes from being let in on a secret, comparing the personal experience of being sought out for secret knowledge to the transformative events in the biblical story of Christmas. Specifically, it examines how the shepherds, often considered outcasts or nobodies in society, were chosen by God to receive the momentous news of Jesus’ birth.
He came for the unassuming
Robert Glenn Smith • Luke 1:26–38, Luke 18:26–27
Robert explores the themes of divine intervention, humility, and the transformative power of faith, using the biblical account of Mary’s encounter with the angel Gabriel as a central example. Mary, living an unassuming life in the small, inconsequential town of Nazareth, where she was chosen by God for the extraordinary role of mothering the Messiah. God often chooses the unlikely and unassuming to accomplish great things.
He Came For The Hopeless
December 1, 2024 • Luke 1:5–25, Romans 8:28
Drawing parallels between its perceived "loss" and the disillusionment that often accompanies unmet desires and expectations in life this message contrasts the modern, emotional understanding of hope with the biblical concept of hope, particularly within the New Testament, where hope is rooted in the unchanging character of God and His promises. Using the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth from the Gospel of Luke, the narrative illustrates how hope can feel lost in the midst of long-term suffering and unmet prayers, but also how God's plans often unfold in unexpected and miraculous ways.
