Christmas Eve 2016
Rejected One
Christmas is a time of hope and expectation. Even people who don't know the Christmas story can feel the miracle of hope. The bizarre reality about Jesus' coming is that even though he was the "long awaited one", he was simultaneously the "rejected one." In this message, Pastor Skyler wraps up our series by reminding us that Jesus came as a baby specifically to be despised and rejected on the cross, in order to be our Savior.
Conquering One
Christmas brings out such beautiful and ancient texts. One of these is from Isaiah 9 with lines such as "For unto us a child is born" and "his name will be Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace…" You may recognize these lines from Handel's "Messiah" or seen them on a Christmas greeting card. If we only think of the Christmas card version of these verses, we easily miss that these passages are overwhelmingly about the power of a conquering King. In this message, Pastor Brian shares how THIS Jesus brings true peace!
Dividing One
This is the time of year we gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus--the long awaited one. As we do, it's important to be reminded that this birth was not the warm and cozy event you might see pictured on a Christmas card. This long awaited one would indeed change the world--He would be the one who bridges the gap that mankind desperately needs.
Yet a natural outcome of His message is division. In this sermon, Pastor Skyler shares a fresh look at the events of the birth of Christ, from Luke 2 and Matthew 10. We're reminded that the gospel, not the church, is what should be offensive to the world. The Good News of the gospel is the Christmas story that a divided world desperately needs to hear.
Awaited One
Do you remember when you were a kid and you knew that Christmas was coming? That waiting period was always so hard. This year our Christmas series is all about how Jesus was the awaited one. He was the one the entire world was waiting for. Waiting for Christmas presents is nothing compared to the long awaited Messiah.
In this message, Pastor Brian shares how God doesn't measure time like we do. And He isn't forgetful like we are. God makes plans that do not fail, and God can be trusted in the wait.