What if Christmas isn’t an escape from reality—but the interpretation of it? This week, we see how Jesus doesn’t remain in Bethlehem; He grows into the King who fulfills God’s promises through what He does. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus teaches the kingdom (Matthew 5–7) and then lives it out—healing the sick, restoring the broken, and revealing God’s authority in real time. We zoom in on two storm stories: Jesus calming the waves (Matthew 8) and Jesus walking on the water (Matthew 14). The disciples’ question shifts from “Who is this?” to worship: “Truly you are the Son of God.” We’re also invited into Peter’s moment—fixing our eyes on Jesus when fear and circumstances rise. This week’s practice: start a simple gratitude journal and notice how God provides, building faith day by day.

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Oaks Church is a multi-generational gathering of believers who are following Jesus together, becoming the expression of the Kingdom of God to our world, and encouraging one another to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.

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