Posts with the tag “advent”

By Steve Miller: The Christmas season can be a whirlwind of excitement. We eagerly anticipate the celebration, enjoying every moment of the build-up. But once it's over, a strange quiet can settle in. It's easy to feel a little let-down, like the magic has disappeared.   Read More

By Pastor Mike Adkins: Luke 2:25-38 shines a light on two people that often go unmentioned in biblical history, Simeon and the Prophetess Anna. Both experienced an incredible moment of meeting the Lord Jesus as an infant seemingly near the end of their lives.   Read More

By Whitney Bailey: When we think of something being on fire, peace probably isn’t in the top three bullet points we are processing. In our physical world, fire represents destruction initially and then sirens coming to aid. Biblically, we have heard the stories of the fiery furnace and the Holy Spirit representing fire, a fire burning deep in our souls.  Read More

By Guest Author | Megan Wamer: Where is the joy in the middle of the night soothing a crying child? Where is the joy when sudden loss invades your life? Where is the joy when relationships fail? Where is the joy when paying bills is a struggle? Is it enough to be thankful? Will that bring the joy back inside your heart?  Read More

By Jake Haggard: Joy is a word that gets thrown around a lot during the holiday season; but for some reason, it seems like something we struggle with. Whether it is the hardships of life or mere business, joy is increasingly escaping from people's daily lives.   Read More

By Pastor Scott Conner: “then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:”  Read More

By Joy Kimbril: The last two months have been a little crazy in my life, from multiple projects at work all at once, to totaling my car from rear-ending someone, to celebrating my sister’s wedding, to burying my grandmother.  Read More

By Pastor Nikki Bailey: I must admit, I love holiday sweatshirts, not the ones for "Ugly Christmas Sweater" parties, but those with graphics and words that only some would understand. Inspired by movies and my personal faith, these sweatshirts always spark conversations, laughter, and simply the spirit of Christmas.  Read More

By Guest Author | Heather Hamilton: I love the holiday season! The start of December marks the Advent season, a time of preparation and joy as we look forward to Christmas and the coming of Christ. Many Christians mark the start of this season by reading the book of Luke leading up to Christmas, and I have joined this tradition again this year.  Read More

By Rachael Wynne: Christmas time. What an extravagant season full of celebration, loud gatherings, expensive gifts, lights, decorations, and endless traditions. This all came from a very simple and unglamorous day over 2,000 years ago when Jesus was born in a manger within a dark stable, surrounded by smelly animals.   Read More

By Pastor Tyler Braden: A few days ago, I stood in an operating room with my daughter as she prepared to undergo a procedure. It was a basic procedure, one we had gone through with her three times before, but this was my first time inside an operating room. If you’ve never been in one, it can be an intimidating place.  Read More

By Mary Beth Dunn: As we journey through Advent, we can look at the story of the birth of Jesus and learn about how faith in God can absolutely change our lives.   Read More

By Theresa Golden: As I close out each year, I find myself reflecting on all that has transpired over the past 365 days: the good, the bad, the happy, the sad…and the moments that don’t really fit into any one category. Every single moment served a purpose...  Read More

By Pastor Tyler Braden: As we walk through the Christmas season, I tend to think about the story of Jesus' birth. You may be thinking, “Duh We all do.” But I tend to think a lot about how cool and how weird of an experience that all must have been. You have angels coming down talking to folks, a king that is trying to kill all the babies, a pregnant virgin, and the Messiah being born outside and laid in a manger.  Read More

By Steve Miller: Today we celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ, the King According to the Advent calendar, a lot of churches and church gatherings will light the Christ candle today, signifying the coming of Jesus Christ. In order to truly understand how special a day this is, we need to take on some context....  Read More

By Theresa Golden: Remember when you were young? The magic of Christmas filled the air. Nothing could match the anticipation we had as we counted down the days until Christmas. It was a special time of year…and still can be!  Read More

By Miranda Braden: How quick are you to forgive? Are you generous with your forgiveness, or does it take you a few days or weeks? Hopefully, not months. I'm not going to beat around the bush with you. I struggle with this...  Read More

By Pastor Aaron Kennedy: I was stunned when he handed it to me with the instruction that simply stated, “Aaron, do this consistently, and it will help.”  Read More

By Theresa Golden: Life will throw us curve balls - unexpected news, trials, and tragedy. How can we have true Peace in the middle of the storm?   Read More

By Pate Leigh: Just a few nights ago, my wife asked me when I feel the most content. I had to ponder that question because it’s not something I think about very often. What does “content” even mean?  Read More

By Jake Haggard: I think we have the idea of peace wrong. This is probably because we often only think about peace when we are in the middle of conflict....  Read More

By Theresa Golden: While the holiday season is often called "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year," it can be a difficult time for many. The absence of loved ones, the feeling of loneliness, pain, and grief, can often be felt more acutely during this season, but there is always Hope in Jesus....  Read More

By Meghen Haggard: Advent is one of my favorite times of the year in the Church! For Christians, this time is more than presents and decorations. It's this beautiful season where we wait, anticipate, and prepare for the celebration of Jesus's birth.  Read More

During the busiest time of year, we may feel anything but peaceful. This week, we light the candle of Peace.  Read More

As we continue Advent this week, we light the candle of Joy. Christmas is about the Joy we have in Jesus.   Read More

At the very heart of Christmas is love. There wouldn’t be a Christmas without it. This week, we light the candle of Love.  Read More

Many churches light a candle each week leading up to Christmas. There’s no better way to begin Advent than to light the candle of Hope.   Read More