Pastor's message for DECEMBER

Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory, and in his name the Gentiles will hope.” (Matthew 12:18-21)


Can you remember, as child, making a list of presents you wanted for Christmas? You gave the list to your parents and you hoped that you would find these gifts under the tree on Christmas morning. Sometimes you rejoiced because you received what you wanted, and other times you were disappointed. Christmas is much more than simply hoping to receive a new toy or piece of jewelry. It is about the faithfulness of God to deliver on his promises.


As we approach the end of 2020, we are reminded of the many difficult times we endured this year. It has been a year of loss and sadness; a year of uncertainty and loneliness. It is certainly a year that we won’t forget. There is an increasing struggle that many people have with fear and hopelessness. This Christmas season is particularly important for us to celebrate because we are blessed by the hope that God has given to us. We have an eternal hope because God has visited us. The Lord has come, born of a virgin in a manger. He is Immanuel – God with Us. May this Christmas season give you hope that our God loves you with infinite love and that he has provided for you salvation in his Son, Jesus Christ. We don’t place our hope on the things of this world, but on God’s promises through our Savior, Jesus.


Advent comes from a Latin word which means “coming.” It is a season in which we remember that the Lord came into this world as a baby in Bethlehem. But let’s not forget that Advent is a time in which we look forward to a future coming of the Lord. Jesus has promised to return and receive unto himself a bride for eternity. He will return to bring completion to his great plan of redemption. This is a promise that gives us great hope. Romans 8:23-24 states, “And not only the creation, but we ourselves, whohave the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved.”


May this Christmas season be a time when God’s hope is renewed in you through our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the gift that we cherish now and will celebrate for all eternity.


Merry Christmas! ~ Pastor Keith