"God With Us" Series 2022

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“God With Us” Series Overview

Being human is hard.  When our hopes and dreams seem out of reach, when we are weighed down by the world’s expectations, when the future is uncertain, when we feel small and unimportant, we can feel at our wit’s end.  But the message of Christmas is that we are not alone in our human struggle.  God is with us.  Jesus was born into a moment when people faced overwhelming fears and worries.  This Christmas, we will enter their stories and be reassured that God is with us.

Nov. 27 | Advent 1
THE SKEPTIC: There are moments when our circumstances can feel like a heavy burden with no relief in sight  Our dreams may be deferred.  We may have concerns about job security, financial obligations, or fragile relationships.  In Luke 1:5-16, 23-25, 76-80, Zechariah learns that his long-anticipated son will be a prophet who will be a source of joy and delight.  Amid the uncertainties of tomorrow, we have the assurance that when we pray, God is with us.  Do you have an unanswered prayer?

Dec. 4 | Advent 2
THE DUTIFUL: The Christmas story begins with a dilemma.  Joseph feels personal pain over Mary’s pregnancy.  In Matthew 1:18-25, Joseph tries to avoid a public scandal, but the Holy Spirit helps him see his part in God’s extraordinary plan.  When God calls us to move beyond our duty, God is with us.  When was doing the right thing hard?

Dec. 11 | Advent 3
THE COURAGEOUS: Sometimes God catches us by surprise.  In Luke 1:26-38, Mary is perplexed and ponders the angel’s message.  Ultimately, she embraces the chance to be part of God’s work.  God calls us into situations that we may not have imagined for ourselves.  Even in the midst of uncertainty, God is with us.  When have you done something brave?

Dec. 18 | Advent 4
THE OVERLOOKED: Do you ever feel left out?  God does extraordinary things through ordinary people.  In Luke 2:8-20, God’s message of good news arrives to the lowly shepherds, and they become the first visitors to see Jesus’ face.  Although they have little social status, the shepherds play a prominent role in proclaiming the message of Emmanuel, God is with us.  When have moved from the  sidelines to centerstage?

Dec. 24 | Christmas Eve
GOD WITH US: There is a big difference between God for us and God with us.  The story of Jesus’ is a perfect example of it.  A bunch of shepherds and a couple poor kids gather in a barn in some backwater Roman province.  God was there and anywhere we find ourselves.  God is with us.

Dec. 25 | Christmas Day
LESSONS AND CAROLS: Celebrate Jesus’ and join us on Christmas Day for a service of Scripture, singing, and Holy Communion. 

 

 

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