Titus 3:4-7

Throughout the Epiphany season, we are letting God's light shine in the darkness and give us "aha" moments, or epiphanies.

Today's epiphany has to do with identity. We struggle to define ourselves in an ever shifting and ever changing world. God's light shines on his gift of baptism to show us that as baptized believers, we never need to suffer any identity crisis!

Luke 1:68-79

Have you ever waited patiently for something, only for it to underwhelm and disappoint? Sometimes we might feel dissatisfied with the fulfillment of God's promises. Looking at Zechariah's joyful song helps us see the wonder of God's faithfulness and leads us from being underwhelmed to overjoyed at God's promises that fully satisfy!

Luke 2:41-52

"If only there were backups in real life." An TV ad campaign suggests that it's just a dream, and that the only consolation is good rates on home and auto insurance.

As we look at the only event from Jesus' childhood recorded in Scripture, we see that this isn't just a wish, it's the reality of God's gift at Christmas! Jesus is our perfect real-life backup, the substitute we so desperately need!

It's a special Christmas episode of the Shepherd of the Hills podcast!

Listen to the nine readings from the Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols, and a Christmas message from Pastor Wilde about the confidence we can find in all the unlikely details of the first Christmas!

Luke 1:39-55

Everyone loves an underdog story! We might even adopt an underdog narrative to describe our own life stories. The truth is we are all underdogs, but maybe not in the sense we most often think. Mary's song of praise, the Magnificat, tells the greatest underdog story ever. At Christmas, God lifts up the lowly!

Luke 3:7-18

The holiday season isn't always merry and cheerful. Many people suffer this time of year, under the pressure to be happy. The celebrations can feel hollow and empty.

If you're struggling this time of year, there is good news, because a real Christmas, a Christmas that God's word prepares us for in the season of Advent, is one that brings real joy–joy that is deeper than nostalgic Christmas songs, merry parties, or cheerful decorations.

Luke 3:1-6

Are you ready for Christmas? It's a question that nags at the back of our minds this time of year. There's just so much to do! If you listen to John the Baptist, though, you realize there's only one thing needed to be really ready for Christmas: repentance. Better yet, God's call to repentance isn't one more burden at an already difficult time. It's a call that frees us!

Jeremiah 33:14-16

If Christmas only offers the shallow comforts of nostalgia, pretty decorations, nice gifts, and time with loved ones, you're missing out! If that's all you get, you're not even really enjoying a real Christmas, because you could have so much better joy and peace! Remembering why Jesus came in the first place is the secret to celebrating a real Christmas!

Mark 13:26-37

Even a brief moment of distraction can have disastrous consequences. Jesus calls believers to faithfully watch and wait as Judgment Day draws closer and closer. We live with our eyes on the skies, eager for our Savior's return!

Hebrews 9:24-28

What would life be like if you didn't have to worry about being judged? Even though it seems hard to imagine, this is the blessed reality every Christian enjoys. Those whose names are written in the book of life, who are waiting for the return of their Savior, have no reason to fear judgment of any sort. They know the judge, and the verdict is set! Living like you're going to live forever means living free from the fear of judgment!