Christmas Eve Service - 12/24/23 - Christmas at the Movies - Week 4: "Elf" - Pastor Mike Warman12/26/2023
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 Buddy the Elf is a misfit human who is raised by Santa's Elves at the North Pole. Upon learning he isn't a "real Elf" he sets out to New York City to find his read dad and family. Along the way he makes a friend named Jovie, and he reminds her that the best way to spread the Joy of Christmas is through singing. In the midst of all his disappointments, Buddy still manages to have make music in his heart.
What's the best part of Christmas for you? It may be the gifts, both giving to friends and family and receiving. Maybe it's a certain tradition you have in your home? For some of us, it's the opportunity to get together with family and friends we don't get to see much during the year. What about the music? The songs, the festive attitude that comes across through the songs of Christmas whether they be the Carols, the Classics or Contemporary. Christmas has been filled with song since the very first. Mary sang. Jesus uncle sang a song. And we all know the angels broke out in praise at the announcement of Jesus birth to the shepherds. When the Shepherds saw Jesus, Mary & Joseph, they left rejoicing and praising God. I hope you'll join me this Sunday at either 9:33am or 4:30pm as we sing the songs of Christmas. We'll look again with fresh eyes at the story of the shepherds, to discover the joy they discovered. We'll remind ourselves that there's room for everyone on the nice list. And maybe, just maybe if you find yourself a bit down this time of year, you'll see that the best way to discovering lasting JOY is gazing on the face of Jesus, our Savior, Friend and King of Kings. God is with You friend! His name is Jesus! See You Sunday Friend! Pastor Mike Sunday Service - 12/17/23 - Christmas at the Movies - Week 3: "The Polar Express" - Ian Andersen12/19/2023 "Seeing is Believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are things we can not see"- The Conductor
The Polar Express, released in 2004, is a story of a young boy who is doubtful of the reality of Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve a mysterious train pulls in front of his home offering him a trip to the North Pole to see for himself if Santa is real. Tom Hanks was featured in the film, doing the voice over for 5 of the characters in the movie. As the movie concludes the Hero Boy does indeed come to discover the "reality" of Santa. The movie has become a class Christmas movie. There's much to admire about the sentiment to believe. Our beliefs are central to who we are as people. As Jesus arrived that first Christmas we read in Matthew 2 some believed and wanted to worship like the Magi, while others with more information ignored Him. Your Beliefs Matter - but most of us fail to appreciate why they matter. Here's a couple ideas for your consideration: 1) Our actions, how we live, choices we make, are all tied to what we really believe. Advertisers know this and tailor there advertisements to appeal to our emotions, which in turn fuel our actions. It's why negative self talk is so harmful, for what we repeatedly tell ourselves we'll begin to act on. When you read much of the New Testament you'll discover that often the writer began by focusing and who Jesus is to us, what He has done for us, how much He cares and loves us. Then there was instruction on behavior. Because you believe this, then behave like this... 2) I can appreciate the conductor's sentiment that "sometimes the most real things in the world are things we can not see." Things like love, joy, justice come to mind. These are all inward qualities that work themselves out in our actions. Finally, one of the more pivotal moments in the movie is when the boy must decide to board the train or not. He has to take a step of action. This Christmas season you may be on the fence about a matter. Maybe it's something you feel the Lord directing you to do. Let me encourage you that you may not see the result you desire until you decide to trust and obey. Jesus said to Thomas in John 20, "Because you have seen me you believe, but blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." That's you and I today friend. Jesus calls you blessed. Together let's continue to trust the One who has gotten us this far and promises to see us Home. His name is Jesus. Immanuel. God with Us! See You Sunday Friend! Pastor Mike PS - On Sunday the new flooring will be installed. It's looking awesome! This past Sunday one of newer guests left us a gift towards the campaign. When I quizzed him a bit as to why, knowing he was kinda new around here, he said he wanted to be a part and appreciated our transparency about where his money would go. Grateful for your kindness and generosity!  Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is about? laments our favorite guy Charlie Brown. It was December 9, 1965 when the Peanuts gang appeared in A Charlie Brown Christmas movie. Linus steps up and delivers one of the most inspirational moments in movie history as he recites Luke 2. In fact I read there was a pause for concern before the movie aired because of this seen.
An older gentleman once said to his sons, "I don't need to be told but occasionally I do need to be reminded." The same can be said for many of us when it comes to the approaching chaos that surrounds this time of year. How can you keep your focus on Jesus over these next 3 weeks. Let me give you 3 suggestions. 1. Once a week reread the Christmas story that Luke gives us. This week read Luke 1:26-38 and look at how Mary received the news of the Coming King. Read Luke 2:8-20 and let your thoughts focus on how the shepherds might have felt or said to one another upon the Angels visit. How must Joseph & Mary felt upon their arrival? What might that conversation been like? 2. Wish people a Merry Christmas! Period. Not Happy Holiday. But sincerely want people to have a Merry Christmas. Those you greet at stores or wait on you while you shop. 3. Pray for 3 family members or friends to experience the love and life of Jesus. Each week, for 3 weeks. You can have a Merry Christmas! Christmas is about Jesus. Sure, there is nothing wrong with parties, friends, gifts and of course food. Each has it's place as long as we keep Jesus at the center! This week join our friend Shawn Simmons as he unpacks what "A Charlie Brown Christmas" movie and discover afresh what Christmas is really all about! See You Sunday Friend! Pastor Mike PS- Did you see that over $37,000 has been pledged for our Shine Your Light '23 giving campaign. We want to invite over 2000 people to join us for Christmas. We are going to make some needed improvements to the building. We want to set aside funds to do ministry in 2024. If you haven't asked the Lord how you could be a part, I invite you to do so! |
AuthorStonebridge Community Church is a Bible-based non-denominational church located in Dardenne Prairie, Missouri. Archives
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