Do we really need the church? Can't I just sit at home and watch online? The church is full of hypocrites. I just want to be spiritual on my own.

Is it possible to recover a sense of the Church that is not only different, but healthy and helpful?

Do we really need the church? Can't I just sit at home and watch online? The church is full of hypocrites. I just want to be spiritual on my own.

Is it possible to recover a sense of the Church that is not only different, but healthy and helpful?

Week 4 of the New Normal series at dayspringumc.com

Week 3 of the New Normal series at dayspringumc.com

Week 2 of the New Normal series at dayspringumc.com

Week 1 of the New Normal series at dayspringumc.com

Robert Hand teaches on the Gospel of Luke at dayspringumc.com

Merry Christmas from Dayspring UMC! Christmas Eve sermon by Pastor Matt Stone.

Pastor Matt Stone

Look at all the different kinds of people who participate in the story- Jesus came for all of them. Listen to the number of times these people talk about God’s care/concern for the world in the Christmas story. The reason we’re taking aim at a different kind of Christmas celebration is that this story is told for the sake of the entire world. When we share that story and participate in that story by engaging not just those with whom we are close but those whom scripture calls the least of these, then our Christmas celebration is changing the world.

1. What part of Matt’s sermon impacted you the most? Why?

2. Name some of the different types of people Matt listed in his sermon?

3. What do you think the God was trying to teach us by assembling such a wide variety of people in the Christmas story?

4. What are some simple things you and/or your faith community do to pass on this type of unprejudiced and selfless love to others in your life and community?

Scripture references:

Matthew chapters 1 & 2; Luke chapters 1 & 2: Matthew 5:38-48; Romans 13:8,9

Guest Speaker: Clark Crawford

There is something deeply moving, beautiful and meaningful about certain gifts because especially those that are grounded in a relationship. Someone knew something intimate about you and gave you something that either met a deep, not-obvious need or expressed the kind of love that we all long for.

One reason that this is such a meaningful way to give is that it reflects so closely the gift we received in the birth of Christ. It met a deep need that many of us aren’t even aware of- a need for saving from death and healing from sin and brokenness. But it also expressed to us the very depth of God’s love- the kind of love that all of us are starving for.

God’s answer for the world’s problems has never been material things. God did not give us more stuff- even good stuff like work, food, or health. He gave us himself. The most priceless and personal gift of all. This is why giving is still a good way to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Apart from the incarnation, we would never fully know the depths to which we are loved or the lengths to which God can be trusted. That’s what we celebrate each Christmas. When we give relationally during the Advent season, this is what we remember: it’s an opportunity to worship as we remind each other of the gift that was given for our sake.

Scripture references:

Matthew 2:1-12; John 1:1-4,14,18; Philippians 2:6-8; Hebrews 2:17; 4:15; Isaiah 7:14