Text: Luke 2:36-40 Theme: Anna, as a part of the Christmas story, is someone who shows us the importance of connecting with God and with others. Key Verse: Luke 2:38 (NIV) Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Text: Luke 2:22-35

Theme: This week, we learn from a man named Simeon when it comes to having the

right kinds of expectations when it comes to waiting on God to come through for us.

Key Verse: Luke 2:25 (NLT) At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named

Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come

and rescue Israel.

Text: Luke 2:1-7

Theme: Joseph is a key character in the Christmas story. What he teaches us is critical

for all of us to know and do.

Key Verse: Luke 2:7 (NIV) “…and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped

him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available

for them.”

Text:   Various

Theme: The trap is actually a four-letter word: DEBT. This week we’ll gives some keys to getting out of the trap, if that’s where you’re out. We’ll also give some principles for staying out of the trap in the future.

Key Verse: Proverbs 22:7 (NIV) The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.

Text: various

Theme: The power of compounding interest can work for you or put you in financial prison. If you want to be truly free, you need the tools we’re talking about this weekend!

Key Verse: Proverbs 21:5 (NLT) Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity,

but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

Text: various

Theme: The wise and the foolish have money in their hands. However, the differences are huge in the way they leverage their possessions. This week we’ll learn another secret of the wise.

Key Verse: Proverbs 21:20 (CEV) Be sensible and store up precious treasures—don't waste them like a fool.

Text: various

Theme: For most of our lives, we are fed lies when it comes to money and possessions. Jesus, however, speaks the truth about our stuff. In fact, it may surprise you, but Jesus talked a lot about money issues. In order to find real freedom in our finances, we have to listen to the One who tells us the truth.

Key Verse: Matthew 6:24 (NIV) “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”

Text: Judges 6:1-40; various

Theme: The Old Testament character, Gideon, provides us a valuable story for learning what we need to know the what and how of a thing we like to call FAITH.

Key Verse: Judges 6:12 (NIV) When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”

Text: 1 Peter 1:3-11; various

Theme: God has something amazing planned for us. Know that can transform the way we see and experience this life of ours on earth.

Key Verse: 1 Peter 3:3 (NIV) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, …

Text: Matthew 6:19-34; various

Theme: Dealing with our stuff is both a joy and a pain. We can have money and nice things, or our money and nice things can HAVE US. This week we’ll make sure we know how to hand whatever God places in our hands.

Key Verse: Matthew 6: (NIV) But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.