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The Wonder of a Star

December 4, 2022 • Gregg Parris • Psalm 8:4, Matthew 2:1–12, Psalm 42:7, Isaiah 9:6, John 1:11–12

Matthew 2:1-12

I. The Eyes to See

Psalm 8:4; Matthew 8:2; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Matthew 2:2

Deep calls to deep.

Psalm 42:7

The wise men were wise because they did not allow their souls to be anesthetized by possessions and success.

II. The Courage to Follow

Matthew 2:3

For to us a child is born, To us a child is given, And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6

Often, we allow busyness with matters that are temporal to keep us from seeking the eternal.

III. The Humility to Worship

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Matthew 2:11a

He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, he gave the right to become children of God.

John 1:11-12

The Wonder of a Manger

December 25, 2022 • Gregg Parris • Luke 2:1–16

Luke 2:1-16 I. An Unlikely Crib It is rather startling that the completely omniscient, self-sufficient God that owns everything and needs nothing would seek for something, and that something would be us! He left His Father’s throne above (so free, so infinite his grace!) emptied himself of all but love, and bled for Adam’s helpless race. ‘Tis mercy all, immense and free; for, O my God, it found out me! “And Can It Be that I Should Gain” Charles Wesley II. A Quiet Invasion III. A Divine Plan Jesus demonstrated to us that true greatness comes not by exalting yourself but by serving others. And he brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

Amazing Christmas

December 24, 2022 • Gregg Parris

Union Chapel's 2022 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

The Wonder of a Promise

December 18, 2022 • Gregg Parris • Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23

Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 I. A promise you receive. (You are never alone) II. A promise you share. Matthew 1:23 Why were confused, hurting and lost people drawn to Jesus? Because when everyone looked down and pushed such people away, Jesus pulled them close to Himself. He wanted to be with them. How can we be with the people we are trying to reach? a. Seek to understand them. b. We must remember our own stories. c. We must care about others’ stories. Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). Isaiah 7:14