"Gift Exchange" Series 2024

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“Gift Exchange” Series Summary
We sometimes face situations that can weigh us down and prompt feelings of despair, anxiety, regret, darkness, and meaninglessness.  Amid everything, God offers us life-giving gifts of hope, peace, joy, love, light, and purpose.  In this season of exchanging gifts with friends and family, reflect on the gifts we receive from the greatest Giver of all.  Join us in Advent as we exchange our emptiness with the fullness of God’s gifts.


 Dec. 1 | Advent 1
HOPE FOR DESPAIR: In life, we go through dark valleys that can lead us into despair. In such times, God gives the gift of hope in God’s love and protection.  In Psalm 121:1-8, the poet assures us that God watches over us and guides us throughout our lives.  What do you hope for?

Dec. 8 | Advent 2 Saint-Säens Christmas Oratorio
PEACE FOR ANXIETY: In the midst of troubling times, Jesus holds out the gift of peace. The peace Jesus gives is one that we cannot find in other things in this world.  In John 14:2-7, Jesus indicates that he is preparing a place for the disciples in God’s household.  What gives you peace?

Dec. 15 | Advent 3
JOY FOR REGRET: When we experience sorrow, we can turn to God, trusting that joy will come again as a freely given gift.  In Psalm 30, the psalmist describes how God meets us in our sorrow and offers healing and joy.  What gives you joy?

Dec. 22 | Advent 4
LOVE FOR FEAR: Fear can lead us into hating the people that God created. But fear loses its power when we receive the gift of love. We are made complete in love.  In 1 John 4:7-19, we are called to love one another because God is love, and through divine love, we are empowered to love others.  What does love look like?

Dec. 24 | Christmas Eve
LIGHT FOR DARKNESS: Christ gives us the gift of light in the darkest moments of our lives. His light will guide and lead us into abundant life.  In Isaiah 9:2-7, the prophet announces the coming of a great light through a child who will bring peace and fulfill God's promise of salvation.

Dec. 29 | Christmas 1
PURPOSE FOR MEANINGLESSNESS: Through our lives, we sometimes feel lost, not knowing who we are and where we are heading. God finds us in these places and gives us the gift of purpose for our lives.  In Jeremiah 29:10-14, the prophet declares God's promise of a hopeful future, with prosperity and wholeness for the people. 

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