Skip to main content

Unexpected Gifts - December 28, 2025

As we look ahead to worship this Sunday, our focus will be on Luke 2:15–20 and the theme Unexpected Gifts. This familiar scene invites us to notice how God chooses to work through ordinary people in ordinary moments. The shepherds were simply doing their jobs when God revealed something life-changing to them. Their story reminds us that God often meets us not when we are ready or searching, but right where we are, offering grace in ways we did not anticipate.

The passage also shows us that God’s gifts are not always fully understood at once. Mary treasures and ponders what she has seen, while the shepherds return to their lives changed, praising God. In both responses, we see that receiving Christ leads to reflection, gratitude, and faithful living. God’s gifts continue to unfold over time, shaping our hearts and calling us to carry what we have received into the world.

As you read Luke 2:15–20 this week, consider these questions:

  • Where might God be offering you an unexpected gift right now?
  • How are you being invited to treasure what God is doing and respond with praise?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Where Is God in the Texas Flooding? July 6, 2025

This afternoon, I received a phone call from a dear church member about the tragic flooding in Texas. We discussed the question that weighs heavy on many hearts: how could something like this happen in a Christian state, at a Christian camp, with precious children as victims? I must admit, I have wrestled with this myself over the last couple of days, spending the afternoon in prayer and tears, seeking comfort in God's word. As you may have heard, devastating flash floods struck central Texas on July 4th. At least 69 people have lost their lives, including many children, and 11 children from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp, remain missing. Rescue teams continue their urgent search as families wait in unimaginable anguish. You too may ask why God would allow this to happen. This question has echoed through the centuries from the faithful throughout Scripture. Job asked it. The psalmists cried it out. Even Jesus Himself, in His darkest moment on the cross, cried, "My Go...
Post a Comment
Read more

Depression - March 30, 2025

This Sunday, we continue our Lenten journey with a heavy but deeply meaningful passage: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36–46). Our message, “Depression,” explores how even Jesus experienced overwhelming sorrow and spiritual anguish. Far from being a sign of weakness or lack of faith, Jesus' grief shows us that emotional and spiritual darkness can be holy ground. He prayed honestly, persistently, and with trust, even when answers didn't come quickly. This sermon will not minimize the reality of clinical depression but will invite us to see how our faith walks beside our pain, never in denial of it. As you reflect this week, consider:  Where in your life have you experienced Gethsemane moments?  How might you allow yourself or someone you love to rest in the truth that even Jesus grieved deeply, and yet remained connected to God? _________________________________________________________________________________ As we continue our Lenten Journey examining the five ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Why Did Jesus Have to Go? - May 12, 2024

This Sunday, we'll dive into the importance of Jesus' ascension during our worship service. Our scripture, Ephesians 1:15-23 , gives us a strong picture of what it means for Christ to be lifted up and the hope and power we have in him. In Ephesians, Paul prays for the church to understand God's power at work in believers. This power raised Christ from the dead and put him in charge in heaven, above all other powers. As we study this scripture, we'll see how Christ's ascension gives us, his church, the strength to keep doing his work on earth as his body. Before Sunday, please read Ephesians 1:15-23 and consider these questions:  1. How does Christ's position in heaven change how you see yourself and your purpose in the church?  2. Where in your life do you need to trust more in the wisdom, hope, and power that Jesus gives you?  I’ll see you Sunday!
Post a Comment
Read more