Pastors John Mury and Michael Taber discuss Luke 1:26-38: "What is your story? What is God's role in it? Young Mary faces a tremendous decision when she receives the message of the angel. She realizes that the real question is not God's role in her story, but choosing to say "yes" to her role in God's story! God's story is much grander than our own but we are each invited to play an important part."

Pastors John Mury and Dave Swaim discuss Luke 1:5-25: "Luke's account of Christmas begins with contrast and tension. The Herod who executes his sons is contrasted with a faithful, elderly couple who pray desperately for even one child. God's majesty is contrasted with God's intimacy with us. Very human response of curiosity and cynicism are placed side-by-side. In the midst of this messy tension, God's light begins to shine."

Pastors John Mury and Dave Swaim discuss Matthew 1:1-16: "Have you ever been embarrassed about your family history? Is there something dark in your own story? Part of the blessing of the Christmas story is that Jesus' own family tree was twisted, filled with both shame and redemption. Sometimes the greatest blessings of God come through the brokenness of our past!"

Pastor Meghan DeJong preaches on the Magnificat in Luke 1:46-55, as part of our Advent sermon series, Luke: The Coming Kingdom.

Pastors John Mury and Dave Swaim discuss Matthew 5:43-48: "During the holidays, it's natural for us to focus on our friends and family. But Jesus teaches us to focus on our enemies—to love them, pray for them, bless them, and remember that Jesus came to save his enemies. This Advent, perhaps it's time to think beyond those closest to us."

Pastors John Mury and Dave Swaim discuss Matthew 18:1-5: "The disciples ask Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of God, each secretly wanting to make their own case for a high rank. Jesus instead gives a little child as an example, saying that we must become more like that humble child. But what did Jesus mean? And what do we see in Jesus of this child-like humility?"

John Mury and Scott Rice discuss 2 Corinthians 8:7-9: "The apostle Paul reminds us that our generosity is brought to life out of gratitude for what Jesus has done for us. Jesus became poor to make us rich (v.9)! And in so doing, he shows us the path to true life—that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35)."

Pastors John Mury and Dave Swaim discuss Hebrews 2:5-18: "During Advent, we nurture an anticipation for the return of Jesus. We often overlook how Jesus also looks forward to this very day, likely even more than we do! For God, the return of Jesus is the ultimate family reunion, the welcoming home of all the sisters and brothers of Jesus."

Pastors John Mury and Dave Swaim discuss Matthew 24:1-14: "According to Jesus, like birth pains, things will get worse before they get better. And also like birth pains, we need to hold on in hope and love. Even when the dark moments become more frequent and intense, we can know that God is bringing about new life."

Pastor John Mury preaches on Luke 1:26-33 as part of our series, Luke: The Coming Kingdom.