John 1:14-18 The Word Became Flesh Summary: It is amazing that God has not stayed away from us. He has drawn near by sending His Son Jesus so you can know Him. As we study John's Gospel we'll see today how important it is that Jesus took flesh and came to this world to save us. Let's think about it: Outline: 1. God knows your struggles 2. God has come near to know you 3. God has shown you His glory 4. God has given you grace and truth Verse: John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory... Questions for devotions and family worship: 1. Why is it so important to believe that Jesus took flesh and dwelt among us? What are the implications of it? 2. How do these words in vv. 14-18 relate to the tent of meeting in the Old Testament, where God promised to dwell with His people? How does Jesus fulfill this? 3. Why do you think John compares the law of Moses and the grace and truth that came in Jesus? Are they opposed to each other? 4. How can these truths in this passage help you cherish Jesus more?

God was faithful to the Israelites and gave them victory over Jericho.

John 1:6-13 Life in the Light Summary: Have you ever felt left out or rejected by someone else? When that happens, it usually hurts us. Imagine for a moment how it was for Jesus, the Creator of all people, who came to earth and was rejected by the very people He made for His glory! But there is good news today: even though we naturally reject God, Jesus came to bring us back into His family. Outline: 1. The witness to the light 2. The rejection of the light 3. The way into the light Verse: John 1:9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. Questions for devotions and family worship: 1. Why do you think God chooses to use human messengers to testify to the Gospel of Jesus? How did God use John the Baptist? What does that mean for you and me? 2. How does John describe the reception Jesus received when He came into the world? 3. Even though we have all rejected Jesus, he still makes a way for us to be welcomed into His family. How does this happen, according to v.12? How does it NOT happen, according to v.13? 4. How can these verses shape your relationship with Jesus?

John 1:1-5 The Eternal Word Summary: The apostle John wrote one of the four Gospels (histories), the true stories of Jesus' life and ministry. John's Gospel starts by telling us something amazing: he tells us that Jesus is the living Word of God who was there at the beginning of creation! Today, ask God to fill you with love and wonder as we meet Jesus in John chapter 1: Outline: 1. Jesus, the eternal Word 2. Jesus, the mighty creator 3. Jesus, the invincible light Verse: John 1:1 (ESV)1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Questions for devotions and family worship: 1. How do we know that Jesus is the

Ruth 4 Blessed Redeemer Summary: Today we finish our sermons in Ruth. Today, listen for all the blessings God hands out. He blessed Boaz with a wife and a child. He blessed Ruth with a husband and a son. He blessed Naomi with a grandson. And, he has blessed us, because through this family we have king David, and finally King Jesus. Let's think about God's faithfulness together: Outline: A tale of two redeemers The blessing for Ruth, for Boaz, for Naomi, and us Verse: Ruth 4:14 “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer...

Ruth 3 Hope on the Threshing Floor Summary: There are times when God calls us to trust him, and take big risks (Not foolish risks, but worthy risks!). Today we'll see Ruth take a huge risk. She approached Boaz in an unusual way, asking him to play the role of the

Finding Peace in Life AFTER Christmas Luke 2:25-35 The message will focus on how, in the midst of all the wonder and excitement of the first Christmas, life was still incredibly hard for Mary and Joseph… and this is true for us too. But this doesn’t mean that we’re on the wrong path. God is with us in what is hard, and gives us peace. Memory Verse: “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed. (Luke 2:34b)

Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for He has done marvelous things! His right hand and His holy arm have worked salvation for Him. (Psalm 98:1)

Psalm 49 (Psalm 56:13) For You have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

Luke 5:67-80 NRSV

Luke 5:67-80 NRSV

Matthew 1:1-17 An Unlikely Family Tree Summary: Merry Christmas! Today we're going to get ready to celebrate Christmas by looking at an unlikely part of the Christmas story: the list of Jesus' family tree. Although it might seem odd, this list of names shows us that God was faithful to his ancient promise to bring us a Savior, and that is good news for all of us! 1. Jesus is the long awaited Savior 2. Jesus is the Good News for unlikely people Verse: Matthew 1:21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Questions for devotions and family worship: 1. Why would Matthew give this genealogy of Jesus' ancestry before telling of His birth? Why is that important? 2. Why did Jesus need to be shown to be the

Ezra 3:1-4, 10-13 NRSV

Philippians 2:5-11 Christmas Servanthood Summary: One of the most amazing things about celebrating Christmas is remembering that Jesus, the God of the whole universe, took flesh like you and me! Christmas is great because God became a man, all to save us. Today in worship, we also get to participate in ordaining new elders and deacons. Let's think about how Jesus came to save us, and how he gives us the strength to serve him. Outline: 1. Jesus’ glory 2. Jesus’ humbling 3. Jesus’ exaltation Memory Verse: Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped. (Philippians 2:5-6) Questions for devotions and family worship: 1. What does Philippians 2:5-11 tell us about Jesus' attitude toward his mission to take flesh and save us? 2. Why is it so important to believe that

The Second Sunday of Advent Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel. (Matthew 1:23)

Numbers 6:22-27 The Blessing of God’s Name

Jeremiah 33:14-18 NRSV

2 Kings 22:1-10; 23:1-3 NRSV

Covenant Faithfulness Ruth 2:17-23 Summary: Throughout the Bible, God makes a promise to save his people. Sometimes we call it a covenant. God is always faithful to his covenant! In the book of Ruth, God is showing us a picture of this through the man named Boaz, who treated Naomi and Ruth with covenant faithfulness. Let's see it in action: Outline: 1. A heart reopened by covenant faithfulness 2. A redeemer acting in covenant faithfulness Verse: Ruth 2:20 “May he be blessed by the Lord, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!” Questions for devotions and family worship: 1. When Ruth returned after the day of gleaning in Boaz' field, how did Naomi respond? How is Naomi's heart becoming more softened toward the Lord, compared to chapter one? 2. How is God's covenant faithfulness toward us reflected in the actions of Boaz? How does Boaz show us Jesus? 3. How might your own heart need to be softened toward God? Have the experiences of this life hardened you toward Him? Meditate today on the faithfulness of God in the Gospel, and ask him to stir up your heart in worship today.

Ruth 2:1-16 The Shelter of His Wings Summary: Do things happen by accident? Is God in control of even the little details? Jesus tells us that God is concerned even for the smallest bird (Matthew 6:26). How much more is he in control of every detail of our lives too? Let's think about God's good plan in Ruth's life today: Outline: 1. Divine