In "The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant," Jesus teaches that the righteousness required of us in the Kingdom of Heaven is that we are to extend the same extraordinary grace he shows us to those who wrong us.

This parable challenges us to ask ourselves if we truly understand what Jesus did for us on the cross, and more importantly, if we've been transformed by it. If our actions do not bear that out, we need to get serious about addressing the unforgiveness in our lives. Jesus desires that we would be free. In order to be truly free, we must forgive as he forgives us.

Matthew 18:21-35, NIV

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is one of three parables told in succession. It's important to look at all three for context and find that there is something to learn from each of the characters, including the younger son, older son, and the father. We've been taught to read this story as if we are one of the sons and God is the father. But in the first two parables, Jesus doesn't ask us to identify with the lost object–he invites us to identify with the person who lost the object. Is it possible that just like he father in the parable, that in our quest to bring some people in, that we have left some people out? Is it potable that we have tried to love one group of people at the expense of others? In this parable, we invite you to choose your own adventure– because we can all identify with someone in this story.

Waiting is one of the most difficult things we are asked to do as disciples of Jesus. But these parables assure us that The Kingdom of Heaven is on the move, under the surface, growing in the good soil. The Kingdom changes everything as it works its way through the lives of those who choose to follow Jesus. May we be people who WAIT patiently as we joyfully partner with God in his mission to bring the Kingdom of Heaven to Earth.

Jesus was a master storyteller. His parables teach his disciples about his kingdom and mission, but their meanings are cloaked. The parables are designed to “attract and inspire” some and “threaten and repulse” others. As disciples in 2024, we are invited to use our minds and ask ourselves what these parables can do in the lives of those with “ears to hear.”

The way we approach the new year often sets us up for failure. We hope to leave the previous year's struggles in the past, starting fresh with a clean slate. Unfortunately for us, the hand we've been dealt that we haven't quite dealt with will play out in the year to come. Whether 2023 was the worst year or the best year you've ever had, the way we approach each new day matters. Join us as we reflect, repent, and refocus for the next year.

The presence of the Wise Men in Jesus’ birth story prompts us to ask ourselves some profound questions that can amplify our love for Jesus. What or who drew us to him? Why do we love him? And does what we bring to him confirm who he is?

And- As we reflect on the whole Christmas story as recorded by Matthew and Luke, our love for Jesus is amplified because we see that he truly came to save all of humanity. The people God chose to be part of his arrival include insiders, outsiders, educated, uneducated, religious, non religious, those who feel secure in their faith, those who aren’t so sure about Jesus - but are seeking to know more, the young, the old, the wealthy, the poor, the sophisticated, and the rough around the edges. His coming is truly good news for everyone, worldwide!

May our love for Jesus be amplified this Christmas!

This portion of the Christmas story speaks to a time and place where the world was under the illusion that it was at peace. The Christmas story deepens our joy because we see God working within a broken human system to rescue the world.

That shepherds were the first people to hear the news of Jesus’ birth deepens our joy as we realize Jesus truly came to save everyone, worldwide.

Mary’s quiet awe and celebration of her fully human and fully divine son and the raucous jubilation of the shepherds deepen our joy because they remind us of moments of celebration from our own lives.

The Christmas story deepens our lasting joy because we recognize that God’s kind of joy has been tested by the human experience and it cannot be extinguished.

Joseph was a righteous man of faith who came from generations of imperfect people with messy and difficult stories. Men and women who give us faith that our stories will be redeemed. They were included and used as vessels to bring about Immanuel- God with us. Joseph thought he was following God’s plan for his life. He had done it all right. He had a vocation. He had found a bride. And suddenly- his road became hard to travel. It narrowed, and obstacles got in the way. Joseph learned that faith in God can be difficult sometimes. But God assured him that all was well. Mary was telling the truth. The Messiah was on his way, and they would be his mom and dad. Joseph put action to his faith. He married Mary and looked forward to the future coming of Jesus, his son and savior.

The Christmas story teaches us about FAITH.

Do you feel exhausted today?

Do you feel insignificant today?

Do you feel lifeless today?

Do you feel that the world is upside down today?

Jesus still causes the weary world to rejoice.

Jesus still exalts the humble and moves through them to accomplish his purposes.

Jesus still does some of his best work in the margins of society through those who are often forgotten or called insignificant.

Jesus still delights in bringing life to the barren places.

Jesus began to set the world right when he came to a teenage girl and her young husband in a tiny, nowhere town. And Jesus will restore the whole world.

The Christmas story offers us HOPE.

We look at The Lord's Prayer as a guide to our community prayer and worship service.