Matthew 2:10

The Chapel Fort Wayne

Matthew 2:10

Rejoiced Exceedingly

December 27, 2023 • Pastor Mike Fanning • Matthew 2:10

Life in this fallen world is brutally hard. And trying to navigate it without the God of love so often feels hopeless and joyless. The best we can shoot for without God are a few moments of circumstantial happiness in between the chaos of various trials. Without God the old bumper sticker is true: “Life stinks and then you die!” But life with God in this fallen world changes everything! It does not mean that life gets easier or that trials still don’t come. But the God of love is there with you overseeing the events of your life, transforming you to be more like Jesus in the way you live and love others. And in that reality we can experience the joy of the Lord no matter what circumstances or trials we are going through.

PASSAGE: Matthew 2:10 - "When they saw the star, they were overjoyed."

PAUSE: The wise men rejoiced exceedingly with great joy! Is there a greater joy than knowing Jesus? As you pause in the middle of another week, meditate on what brings you great joy! Hopefully, it is Jesus, if not, let us consider finding our hope and joy in Christ Jesus and not in this world.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I want the joy of the wise men. I confess that too many times I look to other places for joy, today, I seek You and You only.

Luke 2:14

December 29, 2023 • Pastor Josh Lewis • Luke 2:14

Have you ever had some news that was so good that you couldn’t help but tell everyone you saw? You were so overjoyed you were basically singing the news to everyone! I remember this feeling when we were expecting our first child. I couldn’t help from sharing with friends, neighbors, even the cashier at the grocery. When Jesus was born, a multitude of angels appeared to the shepherds announcing Jesus’ birth and singing praises to God! May we remember all year long just how special that news is, and every day continue to sing His praises and give glory to God! PASSAGE: Luke 2:14 - "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" PAUSE: Celebrating Jesus as the Savior of the world is not just for Christmas, God desires that we worship Him 24/7. As you prepare your hearts for the new year and our weekend services, set aside a few moments and glorify God! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, be glorified in my life and my church. Create in me a clean heart that is hungry and thirsty to worship and to glorify You!

Luke 1:32-33

December 28, 2023 • Pastor Josh Lewis • Luke 1:32–33

When I think of a king, I typically think of power and prestige—royalty of a higher class than the people. But Jesus came in the most unlikely way. He humbled himself leaving the glory of Heaven to become a weak and fragile baby. He was not born in a royal castle. Not even in a house. This king was born in a stable. What an incredible show of love for the king of kings to enter this world in such a way to relate to us and to save us! PASSAGE: Luke 1:32-33 - "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” PAUSE: When Mary received news about baby Jesus, she was told that He would not only be a king but that He would be the king of kings. Jesus is more than a Savior; Jesus is also a king and is coming back soon to establish His kingdom that will reign forever and ever. Let us seek first His kingdom today. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, Your kingdom come, and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Today, I come seeking Your will be done in my life!

Matthew 1:23

December 26, 2023 • Pastor Mike Fanning • Matthew 1:23

Immanuel = “God with us!” Not God against us, which is what many of perceive God to be. God as the angry judge. Not God away from us. God as far off and unknowable. Not God without us. God as too holy to be near sinful humans. But God with us! Meaning Jesus left heaven and came to earth and became fully human and died in our place in order to be with us! And in order that we could be with Him! Friend, this Christmas remember that God is WITH you and FOR you and IN you! That His heart toward you is love. And then draw near to Him and trust Him and follow Him with all your heart! PASSAGE: Matthew 1:23 - "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.” (From Isaiah 7:14) PAUSE: Christmas reminds us that God desires to dwell with us! Jesus not only saves us from our sins, but he also comes alongside us. Jesus walked among His people, today the Holy Spirit indwells us as believers. May we never forget that God loves us so much, that He desires to be with us 24/7 as His children. PRAYER: Father, remind me of your presence today. Forgive me for the times that I forget that You are right here with me. I choose to dwell with You today.