In an unlikely place, at an unlikely time from a somewhat unlikely person the message of Christmas came out loud and clear. Listen as Pastor Derrick shares a message of the great gift of Christmas and where he found it. Merry Christmas!
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On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me two turtle doves.
In today’s culture it’s fairly easy to thin that today Christmas is over. The trees in our living rooms are starting to lose too many needles and causing a mess. The lights, while a beautiful addition to our homes are running the electric bill a little higher than we’d like. The extra decorations are starting to feel a bit like clutter already. And this doesn’t include the extra trash in our homes due to all of the gifts we’ve just unwrapped. Continue reading
On Christmas Eve we took a closer look at the four titles that woudl define this child born. He will be one whose wisdom shatters earthly wisdom. His strength would obliterate enemies but not in fighting but humility and vulnerability. His love would be that of a Father willing to give it all for you. And his reign would bring peace forevermore, a peace that can’t be taken away. Listen as Pastor Derrick shares a special Christmas Eve message about a name that is Above All Names.
On the 1st Day of Christmas
my true love gave to me
a partridge in a pear tree.
This famous Christmas song is significantly deeper than one might think. It sounds a little silly to hear of lords a leaping and ladies dancing but each of these have a meaning behind the words. And we’re going to unpack these meanings over the next 12 days. These 12 days culminate with a day known as Epiphany, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We will start at the beginning and we’ll get to day 12 in due time. Continue reading
Some names are easy to remember while others are a little more difficult. This week’s name that is above all names is Redeemer. But why is it so important? Listen as Pastor Derrick shares the importance of the name that is above all names.
This week’s Music Monday is coming a bit early since tomorrow is Christmas morning. I thought of skipping this week but then I heard this rendition of my favorite Christmas song ever. But why? Why is this one my favorite? Well to put it simply, I am the little drummer boy. Continue reading
For unto you is born this day in the city of David
a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11
Luke 2 is the beautiful narrative of a tiny human’s emergence in this great big world. Tiny fists that would grow to bear nails meant for us. Tiny feet that would walk alongside fishermen, teachers, homemakers, farmers, business owners, tax collectors, and children. He would hold hands, start conversations, and eat among them, with eyes fixed on Calgary. It is also the narrative of a tiny heart beating wildly for those He came to save. Saving is really the work of God, of Christ, alone. He was born to save us – from death, from our fears, from our doubts. Jesus saves – tiny Baby Boy, Man convicted to death on a cross, living Savior of your heart and soul.
Devotion contributed by Heidi Goehman & Sarah Baughman.
In this is love, not that we have loved God
but that he loved us
and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
1 John 4:10
Some translations of Scripture use the words “all-atoning sacrifice” in place of “propitiation” in this verse. While certainly a true representation of what’s happening here, and more easily understood than “propitiation”, it loses some of the depth of what’s happening here. This isn’t merely a sacrifice, like the countless bulls, lambs, and doves sacrificed in the Temple for years. This is a laying down of Christ’s life. His sacrifice absorbed the wrath of God against a world of people entirely lost in their sin. The depth and breadth and width of such love cannot be measured, and it cannot be comprehended. But we thank and praise Him for it just the same, and rest in the knowledge that His love accomplished this on our behalf. Savior, You stand as our propitiation, welcoming us into Your loving arms. Thank You!
Devotion contributed by Heidi Goehman & Sarah Baughman.
And Jesus said to them,
“A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown
and among his relatives and in his own household.”
Mark 6:4
How it must have hurt Jesus that His family, His hometown withdrew honor from Him, doubted Who He was. Mark 6:6 tells us He “marveled at their unbelief.” When we share the Word in Truth and Love, and people look at us blank-faced, perplexed, or even with laughter, we can know that the Savior Himself received the same response! Jesus, the Prophet, came and fulfilled every Word spoken of Him since Genesis, without fail. Yet, it was still difficult for those closest to Him to grasp. Lord, today we pray for all those who do not honor you and those who do not grasp you. You are Prophet, Priest, Savior, and King!
Devotion contributed by Heidi Goehman & Sarah Baughman.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign.
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and shall call his name Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14
Not only is His very birth a miraculous paradox, but by His name, Immanuel, Jesus is God with Us. He is this Immanuel, who comes to sojourn with us in our weakness and humility, who takes our sin upon Himself and makes full atonement for it. Not because there was anything in us to make us deserving of His sacrifice or even presence, but His love for us was — is! — so great that He did for us what we could not do for ourselves. He rescued us on Calvary and still rescues us every day by His great love and compassion. Where do you see His rescue in your life? Even when it’s hard to see, we stand on truth – He is our Immanuel – God with us.
Devotion contributed by Heidi Goehman & Sarah Baughman.
