Good news for weary God-wrestlers who always lose: because God wins, we get his presence and his promises. We don't have to build, bargain, or buy what he offers us freely. 

Exile means a forced absence from one's home. It's a consistent theme throughout the story of God's people. Sometimes, it's the consequence of sin (Adam and Eve; Assyrian and Babylonian. exile); more often it's a call to faith (Abraham, Joseph, slavery in Egypt, David, the New Testament command to believers to live as exiles). In Jacob's case – and in ours – there's both. This message gives three expectations for exiles from Genesis 28. 

Using deceit to manipulate outcomes promises to give, but it only takes. 

It takes advantage of people. 

It takes the Lord's name in vain. 

It takes matters into our own hands. 

It takes the blessing out of the blessing. 

But whatever deceit takes, God gives more through Jesus. 

We experience both blessings and bitterness in this life, which can lead us to wrestle with God.

The bitterness of trials can lead us to wrestle with trust (26:1-11).

The blessings of success can lead us to wrestle with strife (26:12-21)

The bitterness of problems can lead us to wrestle for praise (26:22-25)

The blessings of comfort can lead us to wrestle against compromise (26:26-35)

Wrestling is inevitable for finite and sinful creatures engaging with our infinite and perfect Creator. Often, it's our wants (both good and bad). that drive our wrestling with God. 

Our wants can lead us to wrestle with God's plan. 

Our wants can lead us to wrestle with God's provision.

Our wants can lead us to wrestle with our position. 

Guest Preacher Josh Grimm show us the call from Proverbs to receive God's wisdom, turn from what entices us away from God's wisdom, and to embrace Jesus as our Wisdom and Righteousness. 

Student Ministry Lead Adam Jensen calls us to see that the Living God has drawn near to us and ask how will we approach Him?

We wonder at the angels' perspective, having been in the presence of God the Son from their creation and served as his messengers.

We wonder at the angels' proclamation of Jesus as Savior, Christ, and Lord.

We wonder with the angels at our privilege - to know Christ and his salvation in a way they can only long to look into.

The wonder of the shepherds compelled them to receive, to pursue, and to share the good news of Christmas and the One it was all about.

The wonder of Bethlehem is that God meets us in sad places and small places with salvation and his wondrous love.