Brothers and Sisters,
What a privilege it was to share with you all this past Sunday. I hope the last two weeks of looking at Old Testament stories and themes coming to fruition in Christ have stoked your affections for our faithful God. Only a sovereign God could orchestrate the birth of Jesus; which is clearly why Matthew constructs his birth narrative as a retelling of Israel’s history (Matt 2:13-23). One Old Testament story after another unwrapped and realized most fully in a baby—in Jesus. The glaring difference from all these Old Testament stories, and massive claim of Christianity, is that Jesus remained without sin (Heb 4:14-16). He successfully remained faithful to God when man could not (Matt 4:1-11)! In all of human history Jesus, the God-man, is the only perfect keeper of God’s covenant—the only one truly right before the Lord—and it demands our attention if we are to ever be right with God.
Brothers and sisters, enjoy this season because Christmas emphatically reminds us that we have received in Jesus our deepest need. Don’t let all the chaos choke out the truth that in Jesus you have been loved beyond measure!
Christmas Schedule
One final reminder!!! There will be no Christmas Day gathering on Sunday December 25th. Rather we will have a Christmas Eve Gathering on Saturday December 24th at 6pm. Remember that this is a very strategic time to invite family, friends, and co-workers. During our gathering time we will look at Christ as our intermediary—the one who creates peace between us and God. This could not be a more evangelistic look at Christ, so do really consider who you could invite to our Christmas Eve Gathering. Childcare will be provided for all ages.
Year-end giving
The office will be open December 29th from 9am-12pm for anyone who wishes to give before the end of the year.
Grace be with you,
Bryan Jerry
