The Christmas Story found in Luke chapter 2 is more than an ancient tale; more than tradition meant to be kept alive at a certain time each year. It is good news - of great joy - meant for all people, everywhere. Listen in as Pastor Chris sets the backdrop, introduces the characters, and conveys the meaning behind the message the angels brought that night.
Notes
God didn’t shout His love from heaven. He came near, and showed it in the earth.
Luke 2:8-14 ESV
Good news.
Romans 1:16 NLT
We don’t need to straighten out before we come to Jesus; we get straightened out by Jesus.
Great joy.
John 15:11 ESV
Nehemiah 8:10 KJV
Proverbs 17:22 TPT
Psalm 16:11 ESV
1 Peter 1:8 KJV
For all people.
Romans 3:22 NLT
82% of unchurched people are likely to attend if asked.
“The church exists for nothing else but to draw men to Christ.” C.S. Lewis
Christmas is for everyone, because everyone needs good news and great joy.

Now more than ever, our world needs to see the fruit of God’s Spirit modeled in the lives of genuine believers. This fruit is the evidence of what’s going on inside of us, and is the proof of who we are in Christ. When our lives feel out of control, we need the fruit of self-control to help us get back on the right path for our lives. Self-control is the fruit of God’s power working in us, helping us to do what we should do - and really want to do - rather than what we shouldn’t do but often struggle with. Growing this fruit is essential to living the life God has always intended us to live: a life that is rich and fruitful.
Notes
Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
A self-controlled person is one who masters their desires and passions, especially their sensual appetites.
Proverbs 25:28 NLT
Romans 7:15-24 NLT
John 3:17 (Quoting NKJV)
We don’t live by our feelings, we live by our choices.
Romans 7:25-8:2 NLT
The fruit of self control is God’s power helping me make the right choices today, so I can have the life I want in the future.
Repent.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (paraphrased)
Fall in love with Jesus.
John 14:15 NIV
Commit to the lifestyle of a disciple.
Galatians 5:16 NIV
Guard against going back to my old way of living.
Vietnam story and James Clear quote are found in the book, “Atomic Habits.”
Matthew 5:29-30 (paraphrased)

What is the fruit of gentleness? It is widely misunderstood, and yet, sorely needed in our world today. Jesus described Himself as gentle in Matthew 11:29 (NIV), and yet the Bible also tells stories of Him flipping tables, casting out demons, rebuking the devil, and declaring great truths in the face of fierce opposition. Some of these stories don’t match our definition of the word “gentle,” and yet, that is exactly who Jesus is. Pastor Chris unpacks this today in a way that can help you and bring you closer to God, so that you can grow the fruit of gentleness and live the life God always intended you to live.
Notes
Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
Matthew 11:29 NIV
Philippians 2:6-8 NLT
Gentleness comes from awareness.
2 Corinthians 4:6-7 NLT
Gentleness isn’t weakness - it’s carefulness.
Gentleness is expressed through security.
Proverbs 15:1 NIV
Gentleness doesn’t turn up the volume, it turns up the value.
Gentleness is the proof of forgiveness.
Philippians 4:5 NIV
Forgiven people forgive people - even before they’re sorry.

Worship Pastor GiaVanni Himes shares an important message on growing the fruit of faithfulness in our lives. In a world where people are often quick to move in the face of challenge and controversy, faithfulness stays.

Today, our guest speaker shares with us how we can let the fruit of goodness grow in our lives.

Pastor Alan Bostick, Emilie Hunt, and Heather Snyder share about people who have made an impact in their life.

The fruit of God’s Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) isn’t something we can learn, but a byproduct of who we are. When we are producing this kind of fruit in our lives, then we know that what is going on inside of us is consistent with the Biblical values that our world so
desperately needs today. God wants this to happen in our lives, so we can enjoy the full life He intends for us and share it with others. Rather than hardening our hearts in an effort to protect ourselves, Pastor Chris shares how we can begin to produce kindness from the inside out in a way that both blesses our lives, and enriches the world around us.
Notes
2 Timothy 4:10 KJV
Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
Proverbs 11:17 NIV
Ephesians 4:32 NKJV
2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT
Unthankful.
2 Peter 1:3 (paraphrasing)
Unholy.
Proverbs 9:10 KJV
Unloving.
John 3:16 KJV
Unforgiving.
Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV
When forgiveness flows, kindness grows.

The fruit of patience is often misunderstood. It is not meant to help us deal with the annoyances of life - it is actually meant to help us endure the trials, struggles, and mistreatment we all face with a Christ-like attitude. This is important so we can mature properly and grow
through our challenges, rather than just survive them and wait for the next one to come along. Today, let’s lock eyes with Jesus, so we can live the rich and fruitful life we were created for!
Notes
Galatians 5:22 KJV
James 1:4 MEV
Wait for God.
Proverbs 13:12 NKJV
Endure through trials.
Genesis 50:20 NLT
Forgive each other.
Colossians 3:13 NIV
Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV
Focus on who Jesus is.
Hebrews 10:23 ESV
Focus on what Jesus said.
Focus on what Jesus did.
Hebrews 4:15 ESV

If you want to get closer to God, it’s not something you can learn how to do - it
takes an all-in commitment to becoming someone new. It won’t happen overnight, but day by day and choice by choice, you can make the decision to grow deeper and live fuller in the life you were always meant to live - a life that is rich and fruitful.
Notes
Peace isn’t the absence of problems, it’s the presence of God.
Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
The Bible is the most powerful, relevant, and practical source for an abundant spiritual, physical, and soul life.
John 14:27 NIV
Philippians 4:4-7 NIV
This world is loud - you don’t have to be.
Proverbs 15:1 KJV
Peace is a person - not a feeling.
“Peace is the legible autograph of the Holy Spirit on a renewed heart.” Charles Spurgeon
Romans 15:33 KJV
Isaiah 9:6 KJV
2 Thessalonians 3:16 KJV
Be wrapped in peace - not the pressure.
Philippians 4:8-9 NIV

If you want to get closer to God, it’s not something you can learn how to do - it takes an all-in commitment to becoming someone new. It won’t happen overnight, but day by day and choice by choice, you can make the decision to grow deeper and live fuller in the life you were always meant to live - a life that is rich and fruitful.

Notes

“Fruit of the Spirit”

- Galatians 5:22-23 ESV

Nehemiah 8:10 ESV

“God is love”

- 1 John 4:8, 1 John 4:16 ESV

John 15:10-11 ESV

Joy grows where you’re planted.

Psalm 16:11 AMP

Psalm 34:3 ESV

Psalm 103:1-5 ESV

Joy grows when you release it.

Psalm 100:1-5 ESV

Joy grows when you remember you are found.

Romans 6:22-23 NLT

Hebrews 12:2 KJV