It's the most wonderful time of the year...for some of us. For others, this time of the year can be filled with disappointments and unmet expectations. In Matthew 2, we see that the first Christmas ever did not go how Mary and Joseph had expected. When we, too, find ourselves in difficult, unexpected places in life, we can rest in God's love and find comfort in community.

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In the midst of darkness, God sends light. At Christmas, we remember that even when things seem dark, God is close to us, and God is near, because Jesus is Emmanuel--God with us.

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Aim at joy and you’ll miss it. Joy happens while we are busy serving others, in the quiet of a forest, or in the prayer of thanks for another day of grace from Jesus. In this sermon, Dr. Mark Foster looks at joy as described in the Bible from the prophet Ezra through the words of Jesus and the actions of the early church. If you need joy, this message is for you.

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At Christmas, we are all longing for peace, but often find stress instead. Yet, peace is possible! God is One who gives peace to all, and this peace is seen so clearly in Jesus. This Christmas season, may we slow down and receive the peace God freely offers.

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Jesus is the One who brings hope, even when we find ourselves in situations that seem hopeless. As we follow Jesus, our Living Hope, we can share his great hope with those around us.

Also, as a church, we believe fellowship and discussion are important. Following this brief message, there are some questions that we discussed around tables on Friday night. You are invited to listen to them and reflect upon them.

Amen" is often thought of as a way to end prayers. However, "amen" can also be a powerful prayer in itself. When we pray "amen," we are proclaiming God's goodness, aligning ourselves with God's will, honoring covenant, and saying, "Let it be so!" Amen!

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Is it possible to give thanks, even when things around us seem difficult? The author of Psalm 136 says, "Yes." Because of God's character, creation, community, and care for daily needs, we can be people who continually pray this simple: "Thanks."

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With so much to do, life can easily feel overwhelming. King Solomon, in the Old Testament, also felt overwhelmed, which led him to ask God for help. We, too, can ask God for help when we pray that short, one-word prayer: "Help."

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God has blessed us in so many different ways with so many different gifts. How are we using those gifts? God desires for us to use our gifts and "talents" in a way that glorifies God and helps those around us. 

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What is the highest value? Paul writes that it is not finding success or having many accomplishments. Rather, the highest value is knowing and being known by Jesus, and compared to it, everything else looks like "rubbish."

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