January 1, 2024
Guess Who's Coming to Christmas | Matthew 2:13-28
Herod
The Christmas Story ends with a downer. Dead babies. Few of us know the story, and fewer of us talk about Herod’s killing of the innocents. The message is clear, though: Jesus is on a mission in a world that really knows how to hurt each other. There’s no candy-coated church person experience; we face all the same rotten stuff along with the world. Anyone who tells you differently hasn’t read their Bible. But there is hope. This Baby has something up his sleeve.
Songs for this week: Spotify
- Has anyone ever done or said something to you that was helpful when you were going through a rough patch?
- What strong emotions would a Bethlehem father or mother feel who lost their little boy? What strong emotions have you had recently? What is behind those emotions?
- Joseph got up in the middle of the night to obey God. When was the last time you obeyed God directly on something (ie, speaking to someone, forgiving someone, being generous)?
- How do you explain a loving God and a world of suffering? Those two things seem at odds with each other. Is there a rational explanation?
- Who needs you to pray for them this week? Is there a gesture of support that you could extend to someone who is suffering?
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Recent Sermons
Exodus 1:6-14 - This Sunday, we begin Roots, a new teaching series from the book of Exodus—discovering how the story of rescue in Exodus shapes our understanding of Jesus.
Exodus 36:1-7 - God calls Israel to give their wealth to build the Tabernacle, raising a timeless question: will we live open-handed, trusting God with what we hold?
Luke 12:13-21 - Jesus warns us about the hidden danger of greed. Discover three heart attitudes toward money—I deserve it, it’s all for me, and I’m better off with more—and why they matter.
Acts 20:32-38 - For three weeks, we explore what Jesus says about money. This week, Paul’s final message highlights contentment, hard work, and caring for the weak.
Luke 2:22-40 - This week we reflect on the quiet faithfulness of Joseph and Mary as they bring Jesus to the temple. In this moment of ordinary obedience, God meets them with extraordinary hope through Simeon and Anna.
Matthew 1:18-25 - God puts His people on the go. Explore God’s call to Joseph and how an ordinary life is drawn into a greater mission and purpose.
