Preacher Paul's Blogs

This Sunday, we come to the close of our five-part sermon series, Emmanuel – God With Us. Throughout this series, we’ve explored the incredible truth that God’s presence is not confined to a single moment in time but is with us in the past, present, and forever. In this final message, God With Us Forever, we’ll reflect on Matthew 1:18-25, where Joseph learns in a dream that the child Mary will bear is Emmanuel, meaning "God with us." This powerful name assures us that God’s love and grace reach into every part of our lives, offering guidance, hope, and salvation. As we conclude this journey, we’ll explore how Emmanuel is not just a promise but a living reality that transforms our lives and calls us to be a light for others. Just as Joseph responded to God’s call with trust and obedience, we are invited to live with confidence in the eternal presence of God. Together, we’ll celebrate the gift of Emmanuel and consider how we can embody this truth in our daily lives. This week, ...

You are warmly invited to join us at Old Waxhaw Presbyterian Church for a special Service of Lessons and Carols on Christmas Eve, December 24, at 6:00 p.m. This cherished service will take us on a beautiful journey through scripture and song, celebrating the story of salvation and the birth of Jesus Christ. With readings, carols, and a time of communion, this evening is a meaningful way to honor the gift of Emmanuel—God with us. Following the service, we invite you to stay for a light meal of finger foods, a time for fellowship and sharing the joy of Christmas with one another. Come and experience the hope, peace, and love of the season. We look forward to celebrating with you!

As we approach the fourth Sunday of Advent, we will reflect on a profound moment in Scripture: the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary in Luke 1:26-38. Have you ever wondered what Mary’s life might have been like if Gabriel had not appeared to her? Perhaps she would have lived in quiet obscurity, raising a family with Joseph, working as a seamstress, or serving as a midwife in her community. Yet, when God interrupted her life with an extraordinary call, Mary responded with faithful trust and obedience, knowing that her “yes” would change everything.  This week, I invite you to spend time with this passage and consider Mary’s courage and faith.  Where might God be interrupting your life and inviting you to respond with trust and obedience? What might it mean for you to say, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord,” even when the path ahead feels uncertain?  Let us prepare our hearts to celebrate the coming of Emmanuel, who is with us in every act of faithful surrender.

As we approach the third Sunday of Advent, our focus shifts to joy, a central theme in this week's sermon titled "God With Us in Our Joy," based on Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11. This passage offers a powerful message of hope and restoration, proclaiming liberty for captives, comfort for mourners, and the renewal of desolate places. It reminds us that joy is not simply an emotion, but an expression of faith rooted in God's promises. As we reflect on this scripture, we will consider how the joy of Emmanuel, God with us, transforms our waiting and fills our lives with hope. This week, I encourage you to ponder these questions as you prepare your hearts for worship:  In what ways have you experienced God's renewal in your life, even during challenging seasons?  How might you embody the joy of Emmanuel to bring hope to those around you?  May your reflections deepen your anticipation and joy this Advent season.

As we enter the second Sunday of Advent, our focus will be on Mark 1:1-8 and the call to prepare the way of the Lord. Advent is not merely a season of waiting but a time for intentional preparation, much like the tuning of an instrument before a grand performance. John the Baptist’s message in the wilderness reminds us that true preparation involves repentance and a reorientation of our lives toward God. This Sunday, we’ll explore how God meets us in the wilderness of our hearts, the role of repentance in making space for Christ, and how our preparation can extend beyond personal transformation to impact our communities. As you reflect on this passage, consider these questions:  What “wilderness” in your life might God be calling you to examine during this Advent season?  How can repentance help clear a path for Christ in your heart and relationships?  Spend some time this week preparing not just for the holiday season but for the arrival of Emmanuel, “God with us.”