Advent 2023

Each gospel writer introduces Jesus from a unique perspective.  Matthew and Luke open with narratives of his birth, while Mark and John use different starting points.  This Advent series looks at what we can learn from how each biographer presents Jesus to us.

Various Scriptures (Full Service; Sermon; Audio; Notes)

(November 27, 2022)

Hope doesn't say "I wonder" or "I wish," but is a confident expectation that says, "I know."  The hope we have in Jesus isn't just about your eternity, but it gives confidence for your today.

Opening video: Dude Perfect Thanksgiving Stereotypes

Various Scriptures (Full Service; Sermon; Audio; Notes)

(December 4, 2022)

You can only give what you have first received.  If you are going to love others, you first have to receive God's love.  If you want to be full of that love, there is one simple step -- just ASK.

Christmas Scriptures (Full Service; Sermon; Audio; Notes)

(December 11, 2022)

Pay attention to where you put your attention!  You can focus on your circumstances and settle for mere happiness, or you can focus on God and experience true joy.

Christmas Scriptures (Full Service; Sermon; Audio; Notes)

(December 18, 2022)

Got peace?  Shalom, the Hebrew word for "Peace," is much more than the absence of conflict.  It speaks of completeness.  Look at how Jesus' coming offers us three dimensions of peace.  

View the full Bible Project video on Peace.

Christmas Scriptures (Full Service; Sermon; Audio; Notes)

(December 25, 2022)

Jesus came to be more than just Immanuel -- God with us.  He came to live inside you and take over your life!  Will you let him?

Luke 1:5-25, 59-79 (Full Service; Sermon; Audio; Notes)

(November 28, 2021)

There's a difference between having fear and being afraid.  Zacharias shows us how a proper fear of God helps us overcome every other fear.

Printable: 100 Promises from God's Word

Get one (or three) free audio book: Audible or AudioBook.com

Excellent List of Christian biographies at ChristianAudio.com. 

Luke 1:5-25, 59079 (Full Service; Sermon; Audio; Notes)

(December 5, 2021)

God doesn't play favorites, but he favors freely.  The Christmas story shows how His favor dispels our fear.  Christmas isn't just about God coming to live among us, but God's choice to live in you.

Luke 2:8-20 (Full Service; Sermon; Audio; Notes)

(December 12, 2021)

There is no fear so great that it can't be dispelled by the good news about Christ.  Have no fear, Jesus is here!

Matt. 1.18-25; 2:13-23 (Full Service; Sermon; Audio; Notes)

(December 19, 2021)

God is calling.  You can embrace his calling without fear, knowing he's already present and actively in the place he's calling you. 

Matt. 2:1-12 (Full Service; Sermon; Audio; Notes)

(December 26, 2021)

Is "worry" a permanent resident in your life?  King David (who knew his share of stress) tells us how to kick anxiety out the door and live a fret-free life with God.

Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:18-25 (Full Service; Sermon Only)

(December 6, 2020)

The one character most absent from our nativity scenes is one of the most crucial.  Join us for this look at Holy Spirit's role in the birth story of Jesus, and consider what he wants to bring into the world through you.  Sermon starts at 21:59.

Luke 1:8-17, 39-45 (Full Service; Sermon Only)

(December 13, 2020)

Are you joyful?  Take a fresh look at a familiar Christmas passage and see how God's Spirit in you brings joy -- to you and to those around you.  Sermon starts at 20:40.

Luke 1:57-79 (Full Service; Sermon Only)

(December 20, 2020)

Be careful what fills you, because it will splash out when you experiences the pressures and bumps of life.  Learn from Zechariah the importance of livinga Spirit-filled life. 
Sermon starts at 21:20.

Luke 2:25-35 (Full Service; Sermon Only)

(December 27, 2020)

Who is behind the wheel?  If it is you, it's time to switch seats.  Look at an old man who knew how to let the Holy Spirit take control (Luke 2:25-35).   Sermon starts at 25:57

A great visual of this story is captured by Ron DiCianni in the painting "Simeon's Moment."

Matthew 1:18-25 (Audio & Notes)

(December 1, 2019)

Why is it important that Jesus was born of a virgin?  Look at his deity, his humanity, and how both are necessary for us to enter into relationship with God.

NOTE: This was a communion Sunday, but that part of the message does not appear on the recording.

Matthew 2:1-12 (Audio & Notes)

(December 8, 2019)

God can do great things with those that seem small and insignificant in the eyes of the world.  He's done it countless times in the Bible and in history -- He can do it with you!

Matthew 2:3-18 (Audio & Notes)

(December 15, 2019)

When you are sent somewhere uncomfortable, remember that God has not abandoned you.  He is still working out his plan even while you are in unfamiliar territory.

Matthew 2:19-23 (Audio & Notes)

(December 22, 2019)

Jesus was known as the Nazarene, but what does that mean?  Explore three nuances of meaning and how each challenges us to respond to his invitation to "follow me."

Matthew 1-2; Luke 1-2 (Audio & Notes)

(December 23, 2018)

Every name of God reveals some aspect of his character.  Get to know Jesus better by taking a closer look at four of his names found in the Christmas story.

Luke 1:14-17, 76-77 (Audio & Notes)

(December 16, 2018)

How do you prepare for Jesus' second coming?  Look at the life of one chosen to prepare God's people for Jesus' first coming -- John the Baptist.