The Final Week of Advent – Peace invites us to find Emmanuel—God with us—through the eyes of the overlooked shepherds. After journeying through Advent themes of hope (Zechariah), love (Joseph), and joy (Mary), we arrive at peace, revealed first not to kings or elites, but to humble, outcast shepherds. Their response to the angels’ message—“Do not be afraid”—challenges us to ask whether encountering Christ truly changes us.

Drawing from Isaiah 9 and Luke 2, Pastor Dave reminds us that God brings light into darkness, peace into chaos, and joy to the weary. True peace is found when we discover what fills us—and let go of what empties us. This Advent, we are invited to enter the Christmas story ourselves, to seek the Christ child with haste, and to allow Emmanuel to transform our hearts. The good news of great joy is still for all people. Christ is born. Peace is here. Will we be changed?

In this third week of Advent, Pastor Dave reflects on joy—the deep, lasting joy that flows from knowing Jesus as our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, and Everlasting Father. Building on the themes of hope and love, this message walks through Isaiah 9 and Luke 1–2 to show how true joy is rooted not in circumstances, but in God’s unchanging presence with us. Through the stories of Mary, Elizabeth, and the angel’s proclamation to the shepherds, we’re reminded that joy is a choice—even in uncertainty—and that God invites us to place Him at the center of our lives. Like a properly ordered nativity, when we put the Everlasting Father in His rightful place, our hearts are healed, our perspective is renewed, and the joy of the Lord becomes our strength.

In the third week of Advent, Pastor Dave focused on the theme of joy, drawing from Luke 1:39–45 and the joyful meeting of Mary and Elizabeth. He highlighted Mary’s eager, faithful response to God’s call and the joy that erupted when Jesus entered the room—even causing John the Baptist to leap in the womb. True joy, he explained, is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in trusting God’s promises and presence. As Advent continues, we’re invited to practice joy daily—choosing faith over fear, obedience over hesitation, and allowing “the joy of the Lord” to be our strength as we prepare our hearts for Christ.