Luke 2:15-20

Come on and let's go! Let's find a fresh joy in going back to Bethlehem for the birth of our Lord!

Advent is rooted in the work of God in history, through real people, to do the miraculous in the most human of things, through the birth of a child. Phil Ware reminds us to celebrate Advent and not simply settle for Christmas, especially in a hard year like this one.

Advent is rooted in the work of God in history, through real people, to do the miraculous in the most human of things, through the birth of a child. Phil Ware reminds us to celebrate Advent and not simply settle for Christmas, especially in a hard year like this one.

You can find Christmas in the most surprising of places! If we are willing, we can find Jesus in the most down to earth of places.

The mystery, the wonder, the bewilderment, the delight, the fear, and the struggle as a new mom to God's Son were secreted in this hiding place of Mary's heart. Phil Ware reminds us that Mary treasured all the things about Jesus' birth in her heart and we can find our treasure with Jesus as he comes to us in the manger at Advent.

Advent is the celebration of Jesus' coming to earth and bringing God's heavenly Kingdom shown in his ministry, lived by his people, and ultimately experienced at his return! Phil Ware shares Scriptures and James Nored shares an inspirational video regarding the blessings and significance of Advent, Jesus' coming to earth as God in human flesh as our Savior and Lord.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This is the Biblical account of Jesus' birth from Matthew 1 and Luke 2 from the NIV 11 version of the Holy Scriptures.

Pause and let God speak hope rather than giving way to fear and panic. Max Lucado reminds us that the first Christmas was one big gigantic interruption in the life of unknown shepherds.

Christmas isn't over; it has only just begun if we recognize that it is our job, together, to be Jesus to the world! Phil Ware finishes his series on "Give Me Jesus" focusing on our role as his people to be his presence to the world.

How does something like this happen? Rubel Shelly tells a story about Tommy Luck and the baby that transformed a rough mining town and then reminds us Jesus did the same thing with the world.

What did it smell like at the manger? Phil Ware talks about the significance of shepherds being found at the manger of Jesus.

Is it too late to keep them from stealing away your wonder? Rick Brown writes about a rare snowfall in Houston and how the wonder of it all, then the reality and boredom of it all, parallel the sense of wonder we have with Jesus.

What happens when we give it all away? We give our heart away a little at a time to our children and grandchildren and when it is gone we go to Jesus.

Where can you find history's greatest treasures? Phil Ware reflects on Mary treasuring the memories of Jesus' birth in her heart and finds reason not to sweat the small stuff, not miss the moments of grace in Christmas, and not lose the opportunity to lock away treasures in our own hearts this time of y

Does it ever feel like that we've reduced Christianity down to something less than Jesus wants us to experience? Phil Ware challenges our settled notions about church in the box and wants us to realize that Jesus has so much more in store for us if we will make the moves necessary to experience Jesus and his story for ourselves.

Christmas isn't over; it has only just begun if we recognize that it is our job, together, to be Jesus to the world! Phil Ware reminds us that Christmas isn't over, but now our role is to be Jesus' people, his presence, in our world.

With the birth of Jesus, we enter a gritty world that we know is our own. Phil Ware continues his series called When Spirit Becomes Flesh and he focuses on the grit and real world feel of the birth stories and also the joy that comes from Jesus' birth.

So what are you collecting? Ron Rose reminds us to collect stories about God's fingerpints.

So what is there to fear on the eve a brand new year? When you least expect it, don't be afraid, God is revealing a new plan for your life.

The vast needs that spread wide before us? They are already in His hands. Melissa Troyer draws on her life of experiences with the vastness of our universe and her need and thanks God for always knowing and seeing and caring and planning for us.

What does this last glimpse of Mary teach us about Jesus and discipleship? Phil Ware finishes his series on the Windows to Wonder, on Mary the mother of Jesus, the Messiah, the Lord, and Savior, and reminds us that we can all be part of Jesus' forever family.

If we listen, it is not so silent a night at Christmas! Rick Brown writes about LSTN headphones, hearing, Starkey hearing foundation, 400 years of silence after the Old Testament, years, silence, quiet, need, hear, hearing, listening, listen, Immanuel.