The Gift We Didn’t Earn

Week of December 20, 2024

As Christmas draws near, our minds often turn to the giving and receiving of gifts. This tradition reflects the heart of the gospel. The Heavenly Father gave the greatest gift, His Son, Jesus Christ.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16, NKJV)

The gift of salvation was wrapped in the humility of a manger and sealed by the sacrifice of the cross. We could never earn it. It’s freely given.

The majesty of the season lies in the reminder that we don’t need to be good enough to receive God’s gift. Christ came for the broken, the weary, and the lost. He came for you and me, because He knew we would never achieve righteousness on our own.

As we gather with our families to celebrate Christmas, approach the manger with hearts full of gratitude. Reflect on the love of God. Remember the significance of this gift and God’s call on our lives. I pray it will change the way we live, love, and serve The Lord. In these next few days, be intentional about making room in your heart for Him, our Savior and King.

Merry Christmas, Pastor Rick

Prepare The Way

Week of December 13, 2024

3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert A highway for our God.  4 Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth; 5 The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”  (Isaiah 40: 3-5, NKJV)

As Christmas approaches, the world around us is full of activity – shopping, decorating, preparing, and travel. But as a reminder, the true meaning of Christmas calls us to prepare in a much deeper way. This season is about the preparation of our hearts for the coming of Christ.

Isaiah speaks of preparing a highway for our God. It conveys the idea of removing obstacles to create a smooth path. Christmas is a time to examine our own lives and invite the Holy Spirit to smooth out the rough places so He can dwell more fully in our hearts.

The prophet tells us when this is accomplished, then the glory of the Lord will be revealed. Have you allowed the wonder of His glory to fill your life this season? Or has the busyness or maybe worldliness dimmed your vision of Him? This is why we must remove the obstacles of life to create a smooth path.

Finally, the prophet says the promise is to all the people. His birth is good news for the poor, brokenhearted, the weary, and the lost. Who in your life needs to hear the message of God’s love?

A prayer to prepare:

Lord Jesus, as we approach Christmas, help us to prepare our hearts for your coming. Remove the obstacles that hinder our relationship with You.  May Your glory shine brightly and be revealed in us and through us, drawing other to You. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

 God Bless, Pastor Rick

A Season of Waiting and Hope

Week of December 6, 2024

“The people who walked in darkness
Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shined.” (Isaiah 9:2, NKJV)

As this year is drawing to a close, the world around us seems to move faster. Our schedules fill up with gatherings, shopping trips, and preparations for family visits. In the midst of it all, the Christmas season invites us to pause, reflect, and wait.

Now, waiting is not easy; it feels counterproductive in a culture that thrives on instant gratification. The people of Israel waited for centuries, longing for the Messiah to come. They lived in hope even when their circumstances were bleak. When Christ was born, their waiting turned to joy, and the Light of the World stepped into the darkness. Everything changed.

Let’s never forget that our waiting is never in vain. Whether we are waiting for an answered prayer or clarity regarding a matter, God’s timing is perfect. God is still at work in the hearts of God’s people. He will provide light that overcomes any darkness that you may be facing.

Set aside moments for stillness. Find some time to sit quietly and pray. Focus on His presence. God has a good word just for you.

God Bless, Pastor Rick