WEEKLY SERMON REFLECTIONS

Each week, take 5 days to dive deeper into the heart of our Sunday sermons! Through key insights and scripture, this format will allow for further personal reflection and spiritual growth. Keeping this at the dinner table, discuss it with family and/or friends.

PRAYER OF THE WEEK:

"Lord God, thank you for the life that you have given us. Though at times things get obscure and we feel like we’re in the shadows, Your light gives us hope and guides our path. Remind us this Christmas that we can live with hope in our hearts and Your peace in our soul. Use us to be a light to others who may also be in darkness. Thank you for our salvation and the security that we have in Your Son as children of God. In Jesus’ name, Amen. "

DAY
01

Because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high will visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

-Luke 1:78-79

REFLECTION:

We have all sat in the darkness and in the shadows at times. But it is into the darkness, that we all may know from the griefs of life, that THE STORY comes.

RESPONSE:

In what ways has God’s light guided you out of the shadows? If you are currently feeling ‘unconscious’ to God in the darkness, how can you let Him guide you into His peace this week?

DAY
02

For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.

-Luke 19:10

REFLECTION:

There are times in life when we slip into the shadows and live ‘unconscious’. We forget who we are, what matters, or what our purpose is. We can lose hope in the forgiveness of God and feel lost, unloved or no longer conscious of God’s plan.

RESPONSE:

How does knowing Jesus came specifically to seek and save the lost affect your understanding of His love for you? Are there people in your life who might feel lost and how can you share Jesus’ saving grace and love with them?

DAY
03

Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

-John 4:10

REFLECTION:

The Samaritan woman was unconscious of the messiah who asked for a drink. There were several relational and cultural nuances that were preventing her from consciously perceiving who Jesus was, as well as her own broken past of seeking to satisfy a thirst that only the Lord could ultimately satisfy.

RESPONSE:

Have you ever felt small and insignificant? How does knowing that God sees all, knows all, and still offers YOU specifically a fully satisfying ‘living water’ through Christ Jesus for all eternity, change your perspective?

DAY
04

The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High…” ”...Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”

-Luke 1:30-34

REFLECTION:

Sometimes we feel unknown to others and unknown to God, and our seemingly impossible circumstances leave us lost in obscurity. The Christmas story was crafted for the darkness, was breathed for the lifeless and was lived to make known the love of God for you!

RESPONSE:

Have there been impossibilities in your life that made no sense in the natural world, but through trusting God, you were able to see Him move mightily?

DAY
05

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. You shall multiply the nation, you shall increase their gladness; they will be glad in Your presence as with the gladness of harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For You shall break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor…For a child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

-Isaiah 9:2-6

REFLECTION:

The Christmas story breathes life into the unconscious and love for the obscure. It fills us with awe and wonder. In Christ we have hope and we have His peace. 

RESPONSE:

How does the Christmas story give you hope in challenging times or uncertain circumstances? How can you reflect the light of Jesus to those around you?