Luke 2.25-35: In Christ, we are confronted by a child that is the dividing line of history and our lives. He is not an ordinary child, yet comes into the world in ordinary ways. As the one sent from heaven, he is either the rock that brings us to stumble or the firm foundation upon which to build a secure life upon. This is the choice when we are confronted by this newborn child.

Romans 8.18-25: Jasper Hall presented this message written by Pastor Ben Hulst, due to sickness. Many thanks for Jasper's leadership in leading the service.

Hebrews 12.1-3: Christmas is a season of joy - joy anticipated and joy realized. It leads us to consider what it takes to pursue joy. Jesus offers a way through him, who "for the joy set before him, endured the cross and scorned its shame." Shame robs joy now and the prospect of joy for the future. At the cross, Jesus takes our shame and gives us opportunity to be free from its insidious destruction of our soul. He calls us out of the isolation that shame keeps us in to find freedom in him. He opens us up to a greater freedom of the soul that pursues the joy set before us.

Hebrews 8: Are we disturbed enough by our lack of interest in God, relying on the things of this earth to give us peace only he can fulfill? May God disturb us to a holy discontent that draws us to him and his gift of Jesus Christ, our true High Priest. What he offered was his life to save us, that we might not be destroyed by our sin. Praise God!