The Venue
Luke 2:8-14
December 24 | Sam Cassese
It’s Christmas! Stockings are hung, lights are twinkling, trees are decorated and presents are wrapped. Every year, we see our whole community full of holiday cheer as they work to transform our normal spaces into a magical venue that is worthy of Christmas. As we go back to the very first Christmas, we take notice of The Venue and consider how it couldn’t have been a better place to announce the Hope of the world.
Broken
Isaiah 42:1-9
December 17 | Sam Cassese
The world is Broken… so where is God? Things have fallen far from the beauty of His creation. Peace and justice are scarce while darkness and sin prevail. But hope is not lost. This week we see how the God who created the world plans on fixing it.
Fill in the Blank
Isaiah 11:1-10
December 10 | Sam Cassese
How would you fill in the blank: When I get ___________, everything will be better. If I only could have ______________, I’d be okay. Those of us who long for better days are all putting our hope in something. Things will turn around - I know it! It just depends on ___________. This holiday season. what is the object of your hope?
This week, the prophet Isaiah comes forward with another message of hope, not just for Israel but for the whole world. To a hurt people and weary world, he says “take heart,” for a King is coming, and his name is ___________.
Wishful Thinking
Isaiah 9:1-7
December 3 | Sam Cassese
Sometimes the darkness is so thick that it feels like Wishful Thinking to imagine it could ever change. Promises of better days ring hollow and well-wishes feel hopelessly empty. Because of that, we think to ourselves, ‘wouldn’t it be nice!’ or ‘if only!’ and walk away. An end to the bleakness is just too good to be true…
This month we’re offered something better than wishful thinking or trite holiday cliches. To those who desperately need it, comes a message of HOPE. There is light for the darkness, freedom from our cycles and peace from the storms. This holiday season, come and see why the weary world rejoices.