Jonah was fortunate that God prepared a fish to carry him to shore. Sometimes we’re not so lucky…or so it seems! What do we do when we’re alone with our mess and the burden that our screw-ups have hurt a lot of people? Jonah 3-4:2

Are you kidding me? In this day and time…in this economy Jesus tells us not to worry?  EXACTLY! What are the sources of worry for us?    How can trust…faith help with that?  Matt. 6.24-34

When Simeon held the baby, he saw things…in Him and in His mother! Can we imagine what it would have been like to be Simeon? What might it mean for us to hold THIS baby…who would become a man and ‘the salvation of God?’    Luke 2.22-40

When Jesus loved, he loved in ways never imagined. Though rich, he became poor to love the poor, the forgotten, the overlooked and the sick. He played to the margins. By spending less at Christmas we have the opportunity to join him in giving resources to those who need help the most. One less gift. One unbelievable present in the name of Christ. (thanks to www.mybuffalochurch.org)
Luke 2.1-20   John 3.16-18

God’s gift to us was a relationship built on love. So it’s no wonder why we’re drawn to the idea that Christmas should be a time to love our friends and family in the most memorable ways possible. Time is the real gift Christmas offers us, and no matter how hard we look, it can’t be found at the mall. Time to make a gift that turns into the next family heirloom. Time to write mom a letter. Time to take the kids sledding. Time to bake really good cookies and sing really bad Christmas carols. Time to make love visible through relational giving. Sounds a lot better than getting a sweater two sizes too big, right? (thanks to mybuffalochurch.org)    Matthew 2.1-12

Before you think we’re getting all Scrooge-y on you, let us explain what we mean. We like gifts. Our kids really like gifts. But consider this: America spends an average of $450 billion a year every Christmas. How often have you spent money on Christmas presents for no other reason than obligation? How many times have you received a gift out of that same obligation? Thanks, but no thanks, right? We’re asking people to consider buying ONE LESS GIFT this Christmas. Just one. Sounds insignificant, yet many who have taken this small sacrifice have experienced something nothing less than a miracle: They have been more available to celebrate Christ during the advent season. Looking for a few gifts that don’t cost a lot of money? Need some more ideas for relational giving? Head to www.RethinkingChristmas.com  today. (thanks to mybuffalochurch.org)    1 Timothy 6.6-10

When Pastor Bob says “Take a look at this”, pause the sermon and view this video or chose to view later. I would personally advise to look before the sermon.

It starts with Jesus. It ends with Jesus. This is the holistic approach God had in mind for Christmas. It’s a season where we are called to put down our burdens and lift a song up to our God. It’s a season where love wins, peace reigns, and a king is celebrated with each breath. It’s the party of the year. Entering the story of Advent means entering this season with an overwhelming passion to worship Jesus to the fullest. (with thanks to mybuffalochurch.org)    Luke 1:39-56

When Pastor Bob says “Take a look at this”, pause the sermon and view this video or chose to view later. I would personally advise to look before the sermon.

The call of the text is not for us to find a cure for cancer or the global economic problem. It isn’t even for US to free the prisoners. It is rather to visit them IN prison. The call of Jesus is to live and EXTRA-ORDINARY life…   Matthew 25.31-46

Little is known of Deborah among the people of faith. We will explore this morning her story as it fits into a particular piece of history. It might make for a pretty interesting memoir!    Judges 4.1-7

Joshua is loaded with lots of threats and pretty ominous warnings here. AND…we know what comes next: JUDGES! Is God’s grace really as conditional as Joshua makes it sound here? In light of God’s grace, what’s that mean in terms of stewardship? Joshua 24.1-3a,14-25