We long for peace. We long for the fighting to stop, the pain to cease, and the tears to stop flowing. Jesus made peace for us and peace is available to everyone! Who can we introduce to Jesus this Christmas season? 

In a world where things and people wear out, grow old, fall apart, and die we have an everlasting Father who doesn’t get tired. He never fails and he never fades. Who can we extend an invitation to this Christmas season to sit at our table, come to church with us and sit by our fire? 

When life gets painful and the days grow dark we need a strong and mighty God to run to, lean on, and trust. His strength is displayed in our weakness. Who can we lend our strength to this Christmas season?

A counselor comes alongside someone in their time of need and imparts truth and wisdom. In a culture saturated with counselors we have the perfect counselor in and through Jesus who came alongside us in our time of need. Who can we come alongside during this Christmas season?

No church is perfect because there are not perfect people in the world. That shouldn’t stop us from serving within the church. None of us can do everything, but all of us can do something.

Living in community can be scary, but not as scary as being alone, especially when trouble steers our way. We need each other, but we don’t have to be perfect to be a good friend. We already have the perfect friend in Jesus. 

What you do is simply that, it’s what you do. It is not who you are. Working is a good thing but it’s not an ultimate thing. Our ultimate purpose is to honor and glorify God with who we are and what we do. This means our job doesn’t have to provide us with fulfillment, satisfaction, or joy because God is the source of those good things in life. 

We have a purpose far higher than the latest election. We have a mission far bigger than any political platform. We are called and commanded to love God and love people and if we will remain faithful to that mission God promises to strengthen us in the process.

When the world moves towards chaos we can choose to move toward order. When everyone and everything is dividing and isolating we can choose to remain united. This means we have to choose harmony and listen well to each other.

Our culture has taught us that whatever we feel is not only real, but should be expressed. The Bible teaches us to control ourselves and stay calm. We don’t know what is ahead, but we can choose ahead of time to keep our heads.

No one ever plans to be an addict. It happens incrementally as we indulge in unhealthy behaviors and repeatedly make bad choices. “I can handle it” is the lie we perpetually choose to believe. Eventually, we realize that we can’t handle it. Such is the roller coaster ride of addiction. This message will suggest ways to overcome rather than submit to unhealthy behaviors.