What stands out in your life as your one single biggest regret?  It's a highly personal question that we're not often asked.  It's also one that many of us would struggle to answer.  So, take a moment and think...what is your biggest regret?

In 2016, students from Strayer University set up a chalkboard on a sidewalk near Petrosino Square in New York City.  They wrote on the top of the board, "Write Your Biggest Regret."  It wasn't long before the chalkboard was filled to overflowing with written regrets:
"Burning bridges."  "Not being a good husband."  "Not saying, I love you."  "Not being a better friend."  "Not having kids before my Dad passed away."  "Not getting my MBA."  "Not applying to MED school." [You can watch the video here]  As humans, we live with a lot of regrets.    

So, is it possible to live a life with no regrets?  Is there a way to move away from our list of "someday" and instead begin to do those things today?  Not surprisingly, Jesus has a lot to say about how to live life, and most importantly, how to live a life without regrets.   Give a listen to this podcast as we unpack the specifics of what Jesus says to one of his potential disciples, while they were sitting on a pile of fish--in a boat.  We hope you find it helpful!

We all think we have more time then what we really do.  Because of this we all have a "Someday List"; those tasks, jobs or responsibilities that need to be taken care of...someday.  They are important, but just not important now--so, we put them on our "Someday List," determined that we will do them, some----day.
What's on your list?  Most certainly there are lifestyle changes that need to be made.  Possibly financial?  What about relational improvements that need to happen?  Are there faith decisions you have placed on your "Someday List"?  Decisions to deepen your relationship with God?  Bible Study?  Ministry?  Baptism?
So, when is the right time to tackle your "Someday List"?  On Sunday, we will discover why Jesus said that today is the best day to take care of the "Someday List", and one vital step to help you get started.

As we conclude 2019, we need the light of God’s Word to guide us along the way. No one knows what is in store for 2020, but we can seek God daily in our lives so that he can light our way and keep us safe from the pitfalls that come in our life. 

Our prayer for you is echoed in the verse below:
"Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" Psalms 119:105  

There are a lot of emotions and feelings that are directly related to the Christmas season; excitement, fun, anticipation, and comfort, just to name a few!  However, one can't deny that Christmas also brings up difficult feelings as well...loss, hurt, loneliness, and regret.  Whether or not these emotions describe you, it is probably the reality of people you know.
With the wide array of descriptions and feelings connected with Christmas, there is one word that is strikingly absent when we talk about Christmas.  It's the word hope.  More then anything, Christmas tells us that God keeps his promises and when all seems lost--God is faithful.  Christmas gives us hope because our Father in Heaven keeps his promises!

The birth of Jesus pulls us to this powerful truth - Jesus came to make outsiders, insiders.  The birth of Jesus on it's own displays this truth (more in the sermon).  However it didn't stop there.  As Jesus' ministry flourished in the region of Galilee, he was often seen eating meals with outsiders; tax collectors, prostitutes, and other "sinners".  These "sinful" associations were not missed by the religious leaders.  They did not approve, but it didn't deter Jesus.  He was determined to help outsiders become insiders.

What does any of this have to do with Christmas?  Advent?  Our relationship with Jesus?  Actually more then one might think.  To really embrace the gift of Jesus, his mission needs to be our mission: helping outsiders become insiders.  Maybe for Advent this year, we all need to set an extra place at our meal table.  It appears there are a lot of outsiders in our world, community, and neighborhoods and they need to know that because of Jesus, outsiders can become insiders.  Give a listen to this sermon and learn how we can be a part of Jesus' mission of making outsiders, insiders.  We hope you find it helpful!

Have you ever experienced this at a birthday party for children?  The birthday boy or girl is opening their presents...and off to the side there is a boy or girl who is upset because they don't have any presents to open.  Have you ever seen something like this?  What is an adult to say?  Console them, remind them about their birthday party, or maybe remind them that Christmas is coming.  There are a lot of ways we can try to appease this type of situation, but when it's all said and done this one simple truth remains: It's not your birthday!

Preparing our hearts to receive the gift of Jesus requires us to shift the spotlight...from us to Jesus.  It means that instead of figuring out how to make our Christmas the best ever we begin to humble ourselves and ask: What can I give Jesus this year?  This reason is simple, it's not your birthday--it's his.