Feelings are an inside job. For example, if someone steals your parking spot, you become livid, but if a cow meanders into your spot and lies down, you’re bemused. Likewise, when shepherds encounter an angelic host, the story begins with fear, but turns to joy. It all depended upon the meaning of the encounter.

God gives us joy in Jesus, but also in one another. If you want joy, give joy. The people you give yourself to will become your joy. This is a theme of the Bible, actually. Our personal joy in symbiotically connected to the body of Christ and finds its culmination with the coming of Jesus.

Nothing says Christmas-time like singing our favorite carols in candlelight. This is how we’ll celebrate that God has fulfilled His promise to shine forth light in the darkness. Invite family and friends for a rich evening of praise and to grow in the joy that Christ can give—even during difficult seasons.

Merry Judgment Day! You’ve probably never considered Judgment Day topic for the holidays, but Advent is all about the coming of Jesus—both that first Christmas and at the end of all things. And we are told that when Christ comes, He will judge the world—which happens to be the basis for the song, Joy to the World—no kidding!

Imagine the reaction at a baby shower when you provide the new parents with embalming fluid. The plot-twist in the Christmas story is that Jesus was born to die. Jesus’ joy made possible His pursuit of the cross. You might think this is a bit morbid, but Jesus joyfully gave us the greatest gift for the holidays.

Most people cannot resist the joy a baby brings. Prepare the way for joy, ‘cause that is what the baby we’re reading about was born to tell. We’ll smile no less when we learn about the geriatrics who are told they’re expecting!

This is a terrible question: If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Here is a better question: If someone asked you to give the reason you are a Christian, would you be ready to give your answer? You will be if you come to this week’s message,

We’re easily underwhelmed in our sensationalized and cynical age. We’ve seen too much to believe too much—though we crave the next great spectacle. Jesus promises even greater things than what we read in the biblical accounts. In other words, God isn’t finished with us yet!

“Do you trust me?” It may seem obvious, but if you pose the question, then trust is in question. Whether to trust or not depends less on the subject and more on the object of trust. So, Abraham shows what we all need to know. Can God be trusted?

This is a terrible question: If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Here is a better question: If someone asked you to give the reason you are a Christian, would you be ready to give your answer? You will be if you come to this week’s message.