Christmas is a little like Christianity in our world; it gets encrusted with all kinds of stuff that really has nothing to do with the wonder of a simple breathtaking event. All the traditions and expectations that have grown out of Christmas are not exactly a gift to weary people—like it is intended to be! So... if you're tired already, maybe it's time we took the lid off Christmas, and see what's really there.

The people who are looking for love, true success, inner peace, acceptance, inclusion, a win, an end to the chaos in the world - are all looking for Jesus. But they don’t know where to find Him. And that’s the map Jesus gives us at the beginning of the most succinct, yet most powerful message ever given.

There are times in life that knot our stomachs and paralyze our ability to think. In those times, it takes all of our self restraint to NOT react. Jesus, the Prince of peace, wasn’t just a peace lover, He was a peaceMAKER. And that’s what shines through His life: His calm...when everyone else is scared to death.

There is a myth that shows up quite often among the followers of Jesus: once you receive Jesus your Saviour, that this means you'll never experience sickness, hardship and patterns of sinful behaviour in our lives. 
And it’s simply NOT true — we still struggle! Where do we get this idea from? And how do we think about the struggles that we face now?

There is a dark side to what goes on in this world. Jesus often encountered these forces, and it was clear that they were no match for Him. We often think that we need to focus our energy being on our guard against these same forces... but Jesus' message was otherwise. He said, "Love your enemies. Pray for people who make your life miserable." It was unheard of in that culture. It was shocking and revolutionary. And in our culture, today? It's still revolutionary.

Did Jesus ask a dumb question? No, the Son of God would never ask a dumb question! So, why did ask this question: "Do you want to be healed?" We think the answer is obvious, but perhaps we need to dig a little deeper to understand that sometimes the answer we would answer is "no". 

We live in one of the most profound times of human history and Jesus’ mission to the lost is still OUR mission. And yet, we are tempted to live in a way that treats Jesus and His Church, His people, His mission as if it is really all about us, our convenience, our comfort and our welfare. Self-preoccupation is messy, sticky, and all-consuming… and we can get lost in it.

Thanksgiving Message • Every year we have a national holiday so everyone can have a day off to be thankful. But in a world like ours, with growing violence, fewer jobs and everything getting more expensive and uncertain why should we be thankful? How can we learn to be grateful despite everything that gives us cause to be otherwise?

The kindness of Jesus makes the lostness of telling lies and living lies unnecessary. This kindness and grace disarmed Nathaniel, and it can disarm us. It's what we want most: to be seen as we really are — loved and — without masks and without excuses. 
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NEW!! >> ALPHA
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• Kids Branch — Visit kidsbranch.ca for details!
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I Believe
By Jason Ingram, Steffany Frizzell Gretzinger, Amanda Lindsey Cook, Jonathan David Helser, Melissa Helser
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Some have called our culture the Culture of Contempt. It’s not enough to just disagree anymore. We have to prove we’re right, that THOSE people are misguided, so therefore flawed and thereby less worthy than us, of course! But Jesus wants to show us a different way, and it's definitely better.