In a world that sometimes seems to be going mad (Boko Haram / ISIS / Al-Qaeda / terrorism / beheadings, etc.), where do we turn for calm, reason, hope? What difference can Christmas make to day in millions of troubled, fearful people of all ages, in all places... including us?

News headlines proclaim the condition of the human heart world wide... Anger, Despair, Pain, Unforgiveness... Christmas was supposed to bring HOPE, JOY, PEACE, LOVE... did it for you? Is it lasting? Joseph's heart was broken by the news. Could he trust and love again? The Magi followed their hearts, as they traveled months in the desert to find a newborn baby King. Herod's diabolical, paranoid, selfish, angry heart wrecked havoc in too many lives. How are our hearts? Are we willing to let God show us what He sees when He looks deep into our hearts?

Lost in the Christmas story is the avalanche of the Holy Spirit of God accomplishing miracles.Jesus’ miraculous life was empowered by the Holy Spirit and He promised that His followers would be empowered by the same Holy Spirit.Is it possible that we can anticipate similar Holy Spirit anointing as those in that first Christmas?What would it be like?How might our lives change?What impact could we have in our world?

Christmas trees clutter street curbs, returns have been completed, school is back in session, collegians have returned, it's the first quarter of a new year in the marketplace... is Christmas forgotten? We anticipated Christmas for many weeks, and now it's history. What difference has Christmas made in our lives or our world?

As we move into a new year, it is a new opportunity for us to allow the light of Christ to shine from us. What is the light of Christ and how can we let it shine?

Christmas is in our rear view mirror. But there is one gift that is specially wrapped — not only for Christmas, but for all time. Let's link, in a new way, some truths about that specially wrapped gift.

Each of us is born with a deep desire to be loved. Love is the great healer of life's wounds - we learned that as little children. This Christmas, the headlines of our world cry out from the pain of broken hearts, starved for love and living in the brutality of mankind's anger. Christmas is God's LOVE reach to our world. What difference could it make in your life today?

When is the last time you really laughed - till you couldn't catch your breath? When is the last time you went to bed at night with a big smile on your face, as you reflected on your day? Is JOY too rare in your life journey? WHY? The Christmas "memo" to humanity from God is "I bring you Good News of Great Joy that will be for ALL people." What must change so we can find JOY in our lives?

PEACE... everyone pursues it, some frantically, but few ever grasp and live it. The debris evidence of the absence of Peace is undeniable and everywhere. The "no peace" damage done in broken lives is the harsh reality of the human journey in every generation, everywhere in the world. Jesus came to bring peace into our peace-shattered world. Is it really attainable?

Thanksgiving Day Parade and Black Friday begin the "Advent Season" in the marketplace. Hallmark Channel "Count-down to Christmas" is the "Advent Season" in honorable, wholesome entertainment."The Advent Season"... anticipates Christmas, the global celebration of God's visit to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. Our Calvary Community Church Advent theme is: "Good News... Great Joy... for ALL people."An Advent Candle will be lit during each worship service from now until Christmas, celebrating "The Good News of... Great HOPE / Great PEACE / Great JOY / Great DELIVERANCE / HIS Arrival!"Bring a friend, join the Advent journey. Experience the life-changing power of "Christ-mas." (more Christ)