Advent is designed to slow us down and rejoice in Jesus' arrival. As we look back on that first Advent, this season also gives us hope for the next Advent, when Jesus will return to be Emmanuel, "God with Us," again.

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. This joy surpasses circumstance and feeling- it is a joy only found in the Lord.

Advent is designed to slow us down and rejoice in Jesus' arrival. As we look back on that first Advent, this season also gives us hope for the next Advent, when Jesus will return to be Emmanuel, "God with Us," again.

We continue this season by reflecting on the peace only found in Christ, who is the Prince of Peace.

Advent is designed to slow us down and rejoice in Jesus' arrival. As we look back on that first Advent, this season also gives us hope for the next Advent, when Jesus will return to be Emmanuel, "God with Us," again.

We begin this season by reflecting on the hope of the gospel and seeing God's revealed plan since Genesis. 

In Acts 16, Paul and Silas worship God from prison. Through their worship, several people hear the good news of Christ, believe, and then get baptized. Baptism is not required for salvation, but it is commanded to demonstrate belief in the gospel. 

The Book of Esther is the only book of the Bible that does not mention God by name, yet His hand is all over it. God uses unlikely characters in unlikely ways to bring about His purposes to preserve His people. Purim is still celebrated to this day to commemorate the Israelite's deliverance and remember God's sovereignty. 

The Book of Esther is the only book of the Bible that does not mention God by name, yet His hand is all over it. God uses unlikely characters in unlikely ways to bring about His purposes to preserve His people. God's silence does not mean his absence, and this story invites us to trust in God's providence even when we can't see it working. 

The Book of Esther is the only book of the Bible that does not mention God by name, yet His hand is all over it. God uses unlikely characters in unlikely ways to bring about His purposes to preserve His people. God's silence does not mean his absence, and this story invites us to trust in God's providence even when we can't see it working. 

The Book of Esther is the only book of the Bible that does not mention God by name, yet His hand is all over it. God uses unlikely characters in unlikely ways to bring about His purposes to preserve His people. God's silence does not mean his absence, and this story invites us to trust in God's providence even when we can't see it working. 

This week, our church body dispersed all over our city for Serve Fresno. By serving the tangible needs, we put the gospel on display. However, it is not our light that shines; we are reflecting the light of Christ that shines through us. 

The Book of Esther is the only book of the Bible that does not mention God by name, yet His hand is all over it. God uses unlikely characters to bring about His purposes to preserve His people. As we see in Mordecai's role and all the coincidences that just so happened to bring about the salvation of the Jewish people, God's silence does not mean his absence, and this story invites us to trust in God's providence.