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Weekend Recap – Christmas Bursts Expectations

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My 12/13/15AM devotional from the end of the children’s Christmas program was entitled Christmas Bursts Expectations from 1 Samuel 16:1-13.  I tried to make some connections between Samuel going to find a king in Bethlehem, who ended up being a shepherd out in the field, keeping watch over his flock to the King that was born in Bethlehem and announced to shepherds in Luke 2.  It’s truly amazing to watch God burst our expectations of how we would fix a broken world.  And, He does it in a way that is not only effective but lasting.  So, I hope this thought is encouraging to you.

Gospel Friday – His Name Is Jesus…

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What encouragement was Joseph given from the angel about this baby in Mary’s womb:

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

Today, then rest in this amazing news that God sent a rescuer for you.

Weekend Preview – Advent on the Brain

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This coming Lord’s Day, 12/13/15, will be a full day at Crestview with our Children’s Christmas Program, Annual Member’s Meeting and Small Groups.  I thought I’d post this photo:

Seriously, I think we’ll be blessed as our children help focus us on what Christ as has done in coming to earth to save sinners like us.  I hope you come ready to enjoy Him together with others.  After all, the Father has sent His Son as the Savior of the world, and this calls for our praise.  

Weekend Recap – 12/6/15

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My 12/6/15AM sermon, Abiding: Him and Us from 1 John 4:13-16, sought to expose one thing from the text: how do we know that we abide in God and He abides in us.  And, the answer is pretty simple: God.  Yes, God’s given us His Spirit, which allows us to confess His Son and this is all an overflow of His love.  So, if you’re weary from burning your wheels to impress God, abide in Him.  Be freed from all the burden and rest in what He’s done to give His people assurance.  I hope it blesses you.

Some Advent Resources

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There are many (free) advent resources that are helpful.  Here are some resources I enjoy…

Good News of Great Joy (an Advent devotional by John Piper)

The Village Church’s Advent Guide for 2015

On the musical front (not necessarily free):

Behold the Lamb of God

Prepare Him Room

As well as anything by Folk Angel

My Favorite Christmas Cookie? Chocolate Crinkle

My Favorite Christmas Blend?  While Starbucks is great, I like Roasterie’s Holiday Blend best

What else?  Ever read A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote?

How about Luke 2:1-20? or Matthew 1:18-25?

Have a great celebration of Advent this month!

Being A Godly Husband During Advent

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Traditionally, we (men) view the Christmas season as a time for our wives to shine.  So, we leave the tree trimming, baking, holiday decor and family environs to our wives to accomplish.  After all, fluffy trees and baking may not be strong suits for us.  But, what if we viewed this through a different lens?  There are countless opportunities during the holidays to model what loving, sacrificial leadership looks like in our homes.  It can be a special time to die to our selfish desires and serve those we claim to love supremely.

So, here’s a list of 10 things that I’d challenge you with to stretch you that may very well have a profound impact on your family…

1) Ask your wife what you can do to help her in the kitchen.
2) Initiate a family game night with your family.
3) If your family is setting up the tree, make this an exciting time by drawing out stories and memories that come with ornaments.
4) Explain to your children what a joy it is for you to celebrate the holiday season with them.
5) Prioritize moments where your family will be able to worship with other believers during Advent.
6) Plan a surprise date night for your wife and take time to drive around town and look at Christmas lights, just the two of you.
7) Surprise your children by picking them up from school to do a fun holiday activity together.
8) Take steps for your family to serve others in some way.
9) Plan a family movie night and don’t hold anything back.
10) Draw your wife and kids close and read them the Christmas story from Matthew 1 and Luke 2.

What other ways can you think of that might serve your wife and kids?  Wives, what impact would this have on your home?

I hope this Advent season brings the joy of Christ radiating through godly husbands.

Weekend Recap – Ice, Ice, Baby…

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This weekend, our family was able to return early from holiday with extended family and beat the worst part of the ice storm.  On Sunday, our church had to cancel services due to the parking lot being a sheet of ice.  And, also on Sunday, some in our church were hurt, literally, by falling branches weighed down by the ice (here’s some coverage of their story in our local newspaper).

So, in a sense, I still feel like I’m digging out of the weekend.  I hope you had a productive one.  Unfortunately, I don’t have a sermon to link to.  I’ll pick up where I’ve been in 1 John next Sunday, Lord willing.

Black Friday Gospel Thought

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Your sin was dark, but God changed that!

“Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.
(Isaiah 1:18)

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Hope you have a great day celebrating thanksgiving…

Above all, take time today to thank God for sending His Son, that we might be freed from ourselves to live for Him.