Not everyone will be merry this Christmas. There are many reasons for this. It has been said that seasons like this amplify whatever feelings we might have at the moment. If we are sad or anxious, we will experience more of it during the Christmas season. If we are generally happy, we will probably experience a more joyful Christmas.
Mary: From Ordinary to Extraordinary
December 17, 2023 • Bong Baylon
Although many of us hesitate to admit our desire to be important, we also do not want to be considered insignificant. There is a part of us that instinctively rejects the idea of being marginalized or treated as common. We don't want to be ordinary, and yet that's how we often feel about ourselves. In our passage today, we encounter a girl named Mary, who was likely 12 to 16 years old at the time, being given the extraordinary privilege of becoming the mother of Jesus, the Savior of the world!
Elizabeth: From Shame to Blessedness
Rev. Bong Baylon • Luke 1:57–58, Luke 1:24
Have you ever experienced public disapproval? Have you ever felt like an outcast for not meeting people's expectations? We have all faced moments of shame where we felt inadequate and our failures were used against us. A recent study shows that 7 out of 10 people experience shame in their lives. This emotion can negatively impact our self-esteem, relationships, and overall well-being. In today’s sermon, we will learn about Elizabeth, a woman who faced the shame of not being able to have children in a society that highly valued motherhood. But with God's grace, she moved from shame to blessedness. We can learn from her that "God's grace can overcome our disgrace." Are you ready to let go of your shame and embrace the blessings of God's favor on you? Open your hearts, and let us embark on this journey together. There are three stages to this journey.
Zechariah: From Doubtful to Faithful
December 3, 2023 • Bong Baylon
Have you ever experienced doubt? It can be overwhelming, leaving you uncertain about your beliefs. Doubts are common but often kept in fear of being judged. Some people may even encourage our doubts and skepticism, claiming it's better than having unwavering beliefs. However, a voice inside us urges us not to doubt. How can we deal with our doubts? The story of Zechariah in Luke 1:5-25 teaches us three encouraging truths about doubt that can help us trust in God even though we have doubts.
