December 15, 2024 • Cami Wittwer • Isaiah 35:1–6, Romans 15:13
Hope can be a funny thing. Have you ever hoped for something that didn't come? Maybe it was an unrealistic hope. Maybe it was a promise made by a human that didn't follow through. Few things are more crushing. But hope in the Bible isn't in people or things. Biblical hope is in a person, but that person is also God, and His name is Jesus. That hope is trustworthy and infallible. One day He will make all things new and take away suffering in His Kingdom restored to earth. He began that work some 2000 years ago and that is why we celebrate the gift of His Hope that comes with His Christmas Presence.
Part 2: Peace
December 8, 2024 • Cami Wittwer • Psalm 23:2–3
The world wants us to believe that chaos is normal. That there is no hope, and that we need to seek out peace desperately from the brokenness of things. But our God promises a peace that is not temporary. God’s perfect peace is a whole peace. One that cannot be shattered or broken. A peace that cannot be disturbed or interrupted. God provides for us a peace that will guard us against the chaos of the world. What do you need God’s peace for today?
Part 1: Rest
December 1, 2024 • Matt Kladnik • Psalm 23:1–3, Matthew 11:28–30
Do you feel overwhelmed by the pace of life? Are you stressed, frantic, rushed, or hurried and harried? That's the normal way of life in the USA. But an ancient Jewish rabbi offered a different way of life. What's more, He offered to be with us to help us live His way of life forever. That rabbi's name is Jesus of Nazareth and His yoke is easy and His burden is light! Pastor Matt Kladnik begins our Advent series looking at a group of gifts that we receive in the presence of Jesus. At Christmas, God came to be present with us in the person of Jesus. As we take time to be intentionally present to God in this season, we receive the presents of His Christmas Presence. We begin with a look at the Rest that Jesus provides.
