Perhaps the most amazing thing about Christmas, and the most overlooked thing in today's world, is the miracle of God's presence--Emmanuel, God with us! The creator of the universe became flesh, to dwell with us and have relationship with us.

Almost as iconic as the Christmas story itself is the way that the news was delivered...through angels, within dreams, and with a star in the sky. But perhaps the most important part of the story is the way that people reacted to the news: they gave praise to God!

Every year at Christmas we decorate our homes, gather with family and friends, share gifts, and hear the familiar stories of Christmas. But what if these stories—stories of the angels, shepherds, wise men, and a humble baby could teach us something about how we should worship God? What if this Christmas, we do more than just hear the stories? What if we allow them to change us and to change the way that we worship?

During Jesus' ministry, he performed numerous miracles and healed many. In one particular story of healing, we see a clear picture of how to respond to God's mercy and grace with gratitude.

This week, we welcome Emilio Martino, as he shares a message and his life's story. Emilio is a former South Bend Police Officer and pastor, who immigrated from Italy in the 1960's. Several aspects of his story give amazing testimony to the grace and redemption that God offers to all us.

During Jesus’ last meal on earth, He told the disciples to remember the sacrifice He made. But how does the bread and the cup help us remember what Jesus did?

During his time on earth, Jesus spent much time in prayer. He taught His disciples how to pray. The early church's prayers were powerful. So why are church prayer meetings so poorly attended? Why do we only turn to prayer when we've exhausted all other options? How should today's churches shift our understanding and practice of prayer?

God's design for the Church is that they gather around the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the core of our teaching. As a result, we can obey Jesus' instruction, "teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

Everyone is designed for relationships, and while we can find commonality with others because of sports or stages of life, the ‘fellowship’ of Christians is different. Those who follow Jesus have a common faith, a common focus and a common family.

The purpose of the church is this: we, as the people who follow Christ, have the opportunity to share the mystery of the gospel. Christ in us is the hope of glory--the power to live effective lives on earth and the promise of eternal life in heaven.