December 24, 2025
Christmas Eve
The Gift of God
2 Corinthians 9:15 (NIV)

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

John 3:16 (KJV)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

1. God made us to love us

Ephesians 1:4 (NLT)

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.

1 John 4:9-10 (NIV)

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

1. God made us to love us
2. God made us to Live


Genesis 2:7 (NIV)

Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.

Romans 3:23 (NIV)

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

1. God made us to love us
2. God made us to Live
3. Sin robs us of the ability to live

John 10:10 (NIV)

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Isaiah 59:2 (NIV)

But your iniquities have separated
you from your God;
your sins have hidden his face from you,
so that he will not hear.

Romans 6:23 (NIV)

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Matthew 1:21 (NIV)

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God --

December 21, 2025
The Light of Love
Ephesians 3:17b-19 (NIV)

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Types of Biblical Love:
Phileo: Friendship love
Eros: Passionate love
Agape: Unconditional love; self-sacrificial love
Storge: Family love; love for a parent or sibling; unforced and natural

1 John 4:8 (NIV)

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (NIV)

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Proverbs 3:3-4 (NIV)

Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.

1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Matthew 1:18-21 (NIV)

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about : His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

Matthew 1:18-21 (NIV)

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.â€

Love Revealed

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 1:20 (NIV)

Luke 4:18 (NKJV)

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;

Love Demonstrated

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus...
Matthew 1:21a (NIV)

Romans 5:8 (NKJV)

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 7:21-25 (NIV)

So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?

Romans 7:21-25 (NIV)

Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

Love Saves

...he will save his people from their sins.â€
Matthew 1:21b (NIV)

John 3:16 (KJV)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

December 14, 2025
The Light of Joy
Psalms 118:24 (NKJV)

This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Joy's Source

Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)

looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

James 1:2-4 (NIV)

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)

...for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Philippians 4:4 (NKJV)

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

Joy's Sound

Psalms 100:1 (NKJV)

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!

Psalms 100:2 (NKJV)

Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.

Acts 16:25-26 (NKJV)

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.

Proverbs 17:22 (NASB)

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Psalms 16:11 (BSB)

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand

Isaiah 12:3 (NIV)

With joy you will draw water
from the wells of salvation.

John 15:10-12 (NIV)

If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

December 7, 2025
The Light of Peace
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Philippians 4:6-9 (NIV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is

Philippians 4:6-9 (NIV)

lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Romans 12:18 (NIV)

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.

Mark 4:39 (KJV)

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

The Promise of Peace

Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
Isaiah 9:7 (NIV)

The Proclamation of Peace

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:13-14 (NIV)

The Provision of Peace

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
Matthew 1:23 (NIV)

The Provision of Peace

to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
Luke 1:79 (NIV)

The Provision of Peace

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NIV)

BELIEVE

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”
Acts 16:31 (NIV)

BELIEVE

But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
John 20:31 (NIV)

RECEIVE

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—
John 1:12 (NIV)

RECEIVE

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

RETRIEVE

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

November 30, 2025
The Light of Hope

Luke 2:25-27 (NIV)

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,

Light shines the brightest
in the darkest of times

1) Live with Expectation

Luke 2:25a (NIV)

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel,

Psalms 5:3 (NIV)

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait expectantly.

Lamentations 3:21-23 (NIV)

Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

2) Lean into Holy Spirit

Luke 2:25b (NIV)

and the Holy Spirit was on him [Simeon].

2 Corinthians 1:22 (NIV)

set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

3) Listen to Holy Spirit

Luke 2:26 (NIV)

It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.

John 1:11 (NIV)

He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.

4) Led by Holy Spirit

Luke 2:27 (NIV)

Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,

November 23, 2025
Table Manners

Psalms 23:1-6 (NKJV)

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

Psalms 23:1-6 (NKJV)

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

Psalms 23:1-6 (NKJV)

You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

Exodus 12:7 (NIV)

Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs.

Exodus 12:8 (NIV)

That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast.

Matthew 26:18 (NIV)

He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’ ”

1 Corinthians 11:23 (NIV)

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread,

1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

Three Table Manners

Three Table Manners

1) Remember Jesus' Sacrifice

1 Corinthians 11:23b-24 (NIV)

The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

Three Table Manners

1) Remember Jesus' Sacrifice
2) Rejoice in Relationship

1 Corinthians 11:25 (NIV)

In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

Jeremiah 31:34 (NKJV)

...For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”

Jeremiah 31:33b (NKJV)

I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts;

Jeremiah 31:33c (NKJV)

and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

Ezekiel 36:26-27 (NIV)

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.

Three Table Manners

1) Remember Jesus' Sacrifice
2) Rejoice in Relationship
3) Respond with Thanksgiving

1 Corinthians 11:27-28 (NIV)

So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.

2 Corinthians 3:2-3 (NIV)

You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

November 16, 2025
When Bread is Not Enough
John 6:25-40

November 9, 2025
The Invitation
Luke 14:1-24