The Manger: A Throne of Grace

Sierra Bible Church

The Manger: A Throne of Grace

December 22, 2024 • Pastor Jesse Richardson

We conclude our Advent series by emphasizing the paradox of the manger, a humble feed trough symbolizing the throne from which the world's Savior dispenses grace. Pastor Jesse shows that this emblem of Christ's sacrificial love invites worship, urging us to recognize our need for His saving grace. He inspires us to enter the Christmas season, and our daily lives, with hearts open to receiving and sharing the grace available in Jesus Christ.

In what ways can this understanding deepen your appreciation for the Advent season and influence your actions throughout the year?

Christmas Eve 2024

December 24, 2024

The Manger: Providence and Provision

Brad Beers • John 6

This week, Pastor Brad kicks off Week 3 of Advent with a metaphor about how what we consume, including media and food, shapes our being and performance. Using the story from John 6 where Jesus refers to Himself as the "bread of life," he encourages participants to consume Jesus' teachings and presence as the sustenance needed for a purposeful and eternal kind of life. Pastor Brad concludes by urging us to dwell in Christ through prayer and to ravenously engage with and live by His words, reminding us that "we are what we eat," both physically and spiritually. How might this reflection on consumption invite you to critically assess what you take in, be it food, media, or spiritual nourishment, and adjust accordingly for a more fulfilling life?

The Manger: Divinity Cloaked in Humanity

Pastor Jesse Richardson • John 1:1–13

This week, Pastor Jesse reflects on the dual nature of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His humility and divinity as celebrated during the Advent series. He discusses the significance of recognizing Jesus as both God and man, arguing that while the world often removes divinity from Jesus, the church sometimes neglects His humanity. Pastor Jesse underscores the concept of Jesus as the "Logos", or the Divine Word becoming flesh, enabling us to experience true light and life, and to become children of God, thus illustrating the deep connection between Christ's divine and human nature. As a next step, could this reflection on Jesus' dual nature deepen your understanding of the role He plays in your life and encourage a broader integration of these insights into your daily actions and spiritual journey?