Podcasts about Savior

Show Us Your Face, O Lord Today's Gospel and Homily reflect on Christ's compassion and mission during Advent. Jesus travels through villages teaching, proclaiming the Kingdom, and healing every disease. Seeing the crowds “like sheep without a shepherd,” He sends His disciples to proclaim the nearness of God's Kingdom and to heal freely, just as they have freely received. Lord, Show Us Your Face The Homily then explores Advent's longing: “Lord, show us your face and we shall be saved.” This desire runs through Scripture and finds its fulfillment in the nativity, when God literally shows His face in Christ. Isaiah's prophecies reveal the coming Savior as both shoot from the stump of Jesse and root of Jesse . . . the One who appears in time yet is the eternal source of all life. Only such a divine Savior can heal humanity's deepest wound: separation from God. Christ's ministry continues this revelation . . . He shows God's face through mercy, healing, and compassion. The disciples, having been generously formed and blessed, are sent to extend that same generosity to the world. Advent, therefore, is not passive waiting but active mission: receiving Christ, becoming Christlike, and bringing His healing and hope to those who are lost. Listen to: Show Us Your Face, O Lord ---------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work Adoration of the Shepherds: Dutch Painter: Gerard van Honthorst: 1622 Notice the use of light in the painting. He was known as a painter that utilized light in his paintings. Another piece of art from this painter may be found on the QoAH website . ---------------------------------------------------------------- Why was this art work selected: The newborn Christ's face radiates light, echoing the longing to “see His face” and be saved. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Matthew 9: 35–10: 1, 5-8 First Reading: Isaiah 30: 19-21, 23-26

Today's episode explores the announcement of the Messiah! We follow angels as they reveal the heavenly plan of the Savior's birth. Follow along as we're introduced to fascinating characters and a host of men and women with incredibly integrity. You won't want to miss this one! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Luke 1:46–55 - And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, [47] and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, [48] for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; [49] for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. [50] And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. [51] He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; [52] he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; [53] he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. [54] He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, [55] as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” (ESV)   THE EVENING MINDSET IS COMING! Beginning January 1 - 2026 - A new DAILY podcast will be available to help you wind down, reset your mind on God’s truth, and prepare for a night of rest and rejuvenation. “The Daily Mindset” will launch on the podcast player of your choice on January 1, 2026. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode: https://EveningMindset.com

They Lied to You – Dr. Peter McCullough Reveals The Truth About COVID Vaccines Watch the full interview for free at https://freedomplatform.tv/they-lied-... When renowned cardiologist, epidemiologist and author Dr. Peter McCullough last joined me in August 2023, the world was already at a turning point. Now, just two years later, everything has changed: Donald Trump is back in the White House RFK Jr. is the new U.S. Health Secretary New voices have joined the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, including Dr. Robert Malone and Dr. Martin Kulldorff The U.S. government has moved to pull funding from mRNA vaccine development On Tuesday 12 August at 5pm UK time / noon EST, Dr. McCullough returns to the London Real Digital Freedom Platform for a no-holds-barred conversation you won't see on mainstream media. Watch this clip at- https://youtu.be/FpO7nEJjch4?si=6kQPUcY6Jaqpce1I London Real 2.26M subscribers 7,061 views Premiered Dec 1, 2025 #LondonRealTV #LondonReal #BrianRose

December deals are different. Negotiations drag. Legal stalls. Procurement kicks it to January. And your EOQ slips away. In this Masterclass, Todd Caponi joins Nick and Armand to share strategies from his new book, Four Levers Negotiating. He'll show you how to flip the script and close what's left on the table — before the ball drops. Todd is the founder of Sales Melon, the host of The Sales History Podcast, and an author of award-winning business books. He's also a C-Level sales leader, and he knows what he's talking about. You'll learn how to win negotiations the moment pricing enters the conversation, use give-get momentum to cut deal times in half, and blast through legal, security, and procurement reviews that usually stall you until Q1. -- Buy 'Four Levers Negotiating' here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Four-Levers-Negotiating/Todd-Caponi/9781637748404 -- Use Code HOLIDAY50 for $50 off any course (expires at midnight on 12/25): https://www.30mpc.com/courses --

We would love to pray for you! Please send us your requests here. --------This Christmas, you can shine the light of Christ into places of darkness and pain with a purchase from the Joni and Friends Christmas catalog. You are sending hope and practical care to people with disabilities, all in the name of Jesus! Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

“King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, ‘Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?’” (Matthew 2:3–4 NLT) Imagine for a moment that you’re living in first-century Jerusalem. You hear mysterious visitors from the east speak of a star that has been leading them to “the newborn king of the Jews.” These wise men are indicating that the long-awaited Messiah has come! You know from prophecy that the Messiah is to be born in Bethlehem, which is only five miles away. Wouldn’t you be inclined to make the short journey to check out their story? Wouldn’t you want to know if the Savior had come? Herod was right to expect answers from the leading priests and teachers of religious law as to where the Messiah would be born. And while they interpreted the writings of Micah properly, they should have been more invested in the matter. These men were the theological scholars of their day. They knew Scripture inside and out. It was their job to study its words and number its letters and lines to ensure careful copying of scrolls. They knew the details of God’s Word so well, but they cared so little. They knew where the Messiah would be born, but they didn’t care about a baby king as much as they cared about an adult monarch who could line their pockets with gold. They were too preoccupied to bother with Jesus. Nothing stunts spiritual growth like spiritual pride. It was true in the first century, and it’s true in the twenty-first century. When you approach the countless truths of God’s Word with an attitude of “I already know that,” or “I’ve already heard that,” or “That doesn’t apply to me,” you limit their impact on your life. You dull your senses to the wonders of Scripture. One of the devil’s masterstrokes is to use frequent exposure to Scripture to foster a sense of spiritual pride. Sometimes when you hear the Word of God again and again, you can enter a place of complacency, a place of apathy. You might even find yourself asleep, spiritually speaking. I find it interesting that many of the Bible’s warnings to “wake up” are addressed to believers. The apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Thessalonica, “So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded” (1 Thessalonians 5:6 NLT). The religious scholars of the first century missed Jesus’ birth because they were in a spiritual slumber. If we’re not careful, we can miss the celebration of Jesus’ birth for the same reason. Approaching the Christmas season—and the Christian life—with an attitude of prideful familiarity keeps us from experiencing the life-changing blessings that Christ offers. It’s important that we stay humble and recognize that there is always more to learn, more to apply, and more to change. Reflection question: How can you stay humble, eager, and curious in your walk with Christ? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At Christmas, we sing because of the salvation we have in the Lord Jesus Christ, Pastor Jack Graham tells us today in his message titled “Gloria.” The glorious impossible is, of course, Jesus who was born of a virgin, and he lives to be our Savior, our Lord, our God! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/395/29?v=20251111

Year after year people everywhere expect to experience the joy and wonder of Christmas through the gifts, gatherings, traditions and twinkling lights. But what if this Christmas meant something more? According to John's Gospel, the birth of Jesus was a historical event of cosmic proportions. That's because Jesus was no ordinary child. He is Immanuel – the eternal God with us - the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, and the true Light for all mankind. From the very beginning, he was, is, and will always be our only Savior. So how would this Christmas be different if - instead of presents and parties - we chose to be wrapped up in the awe and wonder of almighty God coming to Earth so you can be reborn, fully forgiven, and truly loved by our heavenly Father? Join us this December at The Story, as we begin our journey through the Gospel of John and encounter the true meaning of Christmas: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son… full of grace and truth. - John 1:14

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251209dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'” Matthew 3:1-3 Ready Your Heart for Jesus! When I was a kid, I remember that we got the word that the President of the United States was coming to town. And, somehow or another, we even heard that his motorcade was going to be driving down the street right by my house. We were so excited! Our family waited by the sidewalk, looking down the road with anticipation, and then, sure enough, a procession of vehicles came whizzing by, with the president’s hand (or some unlucky staffer’s) waving to us! When a president or, in ancient times, a king, comes to town, you need to make preparations. You must get the road ready for his arrival. That is the picture we see in the message of God’s Word we’re looking at for our devotion. A great king is coming to town, and the road needs to be cleared. “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.” John’s whole purpose in life was to prepare the world for Jesus. He was the opening act who came onto the scene just before the headliner. And the way he got everyone ready was by preaching to them. He preached God’s Word to them. With that Word of God, he shook them with his call to prepare their hearts. That call is still applicable to you and me. Our hearts are often filled with things that don’t please God. We prioritize things that don’t really matter. We go our own way rather than listening to God’s Word. But John calls us to repent, to prepare our hearts! Turn away from that sin which so often entices your heart and turn to Jesus who has paid for it with death. Turn your heart to God with joy and see the forgiveness so freely given in our Savior. Ready your heart for Jesus! Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for taking away my sins. Help me to turn away from my sin each day and turn to you to find forgiveness and peace. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Life will shake you, but hope in Jesus will hold you. This week, Trevor continues our Advent series with a message about finding real, lasting hope in a Savior who never breaks His promises. If you need encouragement, perspective, or strength for the season you're walking through… this message is for you. Hope isn't fragile. Hope isn't seasonal. Hope builds.

The $100 Silver Window Is Almost Gone — And This Time It Won't Reopen Watch this video at- https://youtu.be/bXIi8jBSW6Y?si=XOflk-EgU8fzw665 Money Rewind 29 subscribers 788 views Dec 4, 2025 This documentary investigates a recurring four-stage pattern in commodity markets, analyzing its potential application to the contemporary silver market. The central thesis posits that assets historically used as money often undergo a cycle of Establishment, Manipulation, Squeeze, and eventual Break of the paper derivative market. This analysis is contextualized through an examination of current market phenomena, including significant physical silver withdrawals from COMEX vaults, the suspension of silver sales by major international banks, and the presence of market backwardation—a key indicator of acute physical demand. The narrative draws parallels to major historical precedents, including the 1980 silver crisis precipitated by the Hunt brothers, the 1971 "Nixon Shock" which severed the U.S. dollar's final link to gold, and the 2001 palladium supply shock. By dissecting silver's dual role as both a historic monetary asset and an indispensable industrial commodity facing a structural supply deficit, the film argues that the modern silver market is exhibiting classic signs of the "Squeeze" phase, signaling a potential decoupling between the price of physical metal and its paper equivalents. KEY CONCEPTS The Four-Stage Market Cycle (Establishment, Manipulation, Squeeze, Break) Physical vs. Paper Assets (Commodity vs. Derivative) Market Backwardation and Contango The Hunt Brothers & Silver Thursday (1980) The Nixon Shock & The Gold Standard (1971) Silver's Dual Demand (Monetary & Industrial) Commodity Futures Markets (COMEX) Counterparty Risk in Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) Structural Supply & Demand Deficits RESEARCH & REFERENCES GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS The Coinage Act of 1965: Public Law 89-81, which eliminated silver from the United States' circulating dime and quarter-dollar coins and reduced the silver content of the half-dollar. A Study of the Silver Futures Market: A 1982 report by the Division of Economics and Education, Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), detailing the events surrounding the 1979-1980 silver market volatility. Stock Exchange Practices: Report of the Committee on Banking and Currency (The Pecora Report), 1934: A landmark investigation into the causes of the Wall Street Crash of 1929, providing historical context on market manipulation. ACADEMIC & HISTORICAL LITERATURE A Monetary History of the United States, 1867-1960 by Milton Friedman and Anna Schwartz: A foundational text on the history of U.S. monetary policy, providing critical background for understanding the abandonment of commodity-backed currency. The New Case for Gold by James Rickards: Explores the historical role of precious metals as monetary assets and the inherent instabilities of fiat currency systems. INSTITUTIONAL REPORTS World Silver Survey: An annual report published by The Silver Institute, providing comprehensive global data on silver supply, demand, mine production, and investment trends. --------------------------------------------------------------------  Check out our ACU Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/ACUPodcast   HELP ACU SPREAD THE WORD!  Please go to Apple Podcasts and give ACU a 5 star rating. Apple canceled us and now we are clawing our way back to the top. Don't let the Leftist win. Do it now! Thanks. Also Rate us on any platform you follow us on. It helps a lot. Forward this show to friends. Ways to subscribe to the American Conservative University Podcast Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe via RSS You can also subscribe via Stitcher FM Player Podcast Addict Tune-in Podcasts Pandora Look us up on Amazon Prime …And Many Other Podcast Aggregators and sites ACU on Twitter- https://twitter.com/AmerConU . Warning- Explicit and Violent video content.   Please help ACU by submitting your Show ideas. Email us at americanconservativeuniversity@americanconservativeuniversity.com   Endorsed Charities -------------------------------------------------------- Pre-Born! Saving babies and Souls. https://preborn.org/ OUR MISSION To glorify Jesus Christ by leading and equipping pregnancy clinics to save more babies and souls. WHAT WE DO Pre-Born! partners with life-affirming pregnancy clinics all across the nation. We are designed to strategically impact the abortion industry through the following initiatives:… -------------------------------------------------------- Help CSI Stamp Out Slavery In Sudan Join us in our effort to free over 350 slaves. Listeners to the Eric Metaxas Show will remember our annual effort to free Christians who have been enslaved for simply acknowledging Jesus Christ as their Savior. As we celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas, join us in giving new life to brothers and sisters in Sudan who have enslaved as a result of their faith. https://csi-usa.org/metaxas   https://csi-usa.org/slavery/   Typical Aid for the Enslaved A ration of sorghum, a local nutrient-rich staple food A dairy goat A “Sack of Hope,” a survival kit containing essential items such as tarp for shelter, a cooking pan, a water canister, a mosquito net, a blanket, a handheld sickle, and fishing hooks. Release celebrations include prayer and gathering for a meal, and medical care for those in need. The CSI team provides comfort, encouragement, and a shoulder to lean on while they tell their stories and begin their new lives. Thank you for your compassion  Giving the Gift of Freedom and Hope to the Enslaved South Sudanese -------------------------------------------------------- Food For the Poor https://foodforthepoor.org/ Help us serve the poorest of the poor Food For The Poor began in 1982 in Jamaica. Today, our interdenominational Christian ministry serves the poor in primarily 17 countries throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. Thanks to our faithful donors, we are able to provide food, housing, healthcare, education, fresh water, emergency relief, micro-enterprise solutions and much more. We are proud to have fed millions of people and provided more than 15.7 billion dollars in aid. Our faith inspires us to be an organization built on compassion, and motivated by love. Our mission is to bring relief to the poorest of the poor in the countries where we serve. We strive to reflect God's unconditional love. It's a sacrificial love that embraces all people regardless of race or religion. We believe that we can show His love by serving the “least of these” on this earth as Christ challenged us to do in Matthew 25. We pray that by God's grace, and with your support, we can continue to bring relief to the suffering and hope to the hopeless.   Report on Food For the Poor by Charity Navigator https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/592174510   -------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer from ACU. We try to bring to our students and alumni the World's best Conservative thinkers. All views expressed belong solely to the author and not necessarily to ACU. In all issues and relations, we hope to follow the admonitions of Jesus Christ. While striving to expose, warn and contend with evil, we extend the love of God to all of his children. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   

Anna and Matt tell the story of Jesus' birth—how God kept His promise by sending the Savior into the world in the most unexpected way. Kids learn why Jesus came, why His birth is such good news, and how the angels and shepherds celebrated on the very first Christmas night. What You'll Learn ⭐ What Christmas Is Really About — We celebrate Jesus' birthday because God sent the promised Savior.

Send Us Your Prayer Requests --------This Christmas, you can shine the light of Christ into places of darkness and pain with a purchase from the Joni and Friends Christmas catalog. You are sending hope and practical care to people with disabilities, all in the name of Jesus! Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

As a Magnify community, we read "Personal Ministry: Sacred and Precious" by Bonnie D. Parkin, former Relief Society General President. In it she challenges each of us to identify our personal ministry and live each day finding opportunities to care for others as the Savior would. In this conversation, three women at very different stages of life, a widow and empty-nester, a mom of five kids ages 10 and under, and a young single adult, get personal and share what's in their hearts after reading Sister Parkin's address, and what it looks like for them to be on the Lord's divine errands and develop a deeper sense of personal ministry with the Lord. Sister Parkin said, "Most ministering opportunities are spontaneous, not planned in advance." The little things we do to share the light of Christ each day add up to make this world a better place and our daily efforts to care for each other the way Jesus would make a difference. Show Notes: Personal Ministry: Sacred and Precious by Sister Bonnie D. Parkin Join us on Instagram! @magnifycommunity Learn more about Magnify! magnifythegood.com

Mike Gleim teaches from Luke 2:4-14 on Christ's invitation to cease striving, embrace His peace, and rest in His redeeming favor. Slides available at https://bit.ly/4iLfqFh  

Hope for Right Now Podcast – Trust in the Impossible: An Advent Series, Mary While Walking with Purpose founder Lisa takes time to write our next women's Bible study, Laura is keeping the Hope for Right Now podcast going strong with a four-week series: Trust in the Impossible: An Advent Series. Advent is meant to be a time of interior reflection—the weeks we prepare our hearts and homes to receive the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. But with the secular world's demands and distractions, keeping our eyes on what matters can be challenging, and the season of quiet we dream about feels impossible. What if this Advent, we said no to the overwhelm of the secular world and yes to the overshadowing of the Spirit? Each week, Laura introduces a Biblical figure from the Gospel of Luke, whose story reveals the secret to a simple, peace-filled Advent—one where we yield to God's will, respond in faith, and trust in the impossible.  Today's Biblical figure: Mary. Discover what happens when we learn to stop our human activity and allow the Spirit to move us. Open your Heart to our key Scripture. Luke 1:26–38 Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode. Genesis 3:15: I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel. Luke 2:19: But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. Invite Him in with this episode's questions for reflection. Spend a few minutes practicing mental prayer using Luke 1:26–38 for your Scripture passage. Our presenting sponsor is CB Jewelry. Faith is beautiful—and it's your best accessory. CB Jewelry's stunning and stylish pieces are not your grandma's jewelry. These pieces are modern, beautiful, and the perfect way to share your faith. Whether you're looking for a meaningful Christmas gift or a new way to express your faith, CB Jewelry has you covered. Use the code Hopefornow, (all one word at checkout) for free shipping and a portion of your purchase will go to Walking with Purpose. Offer ends December 25, 2025! Shop CB Jewelry today at cbjewelryfaith.com. Show mentions. The writings of Father Jeremiah Shryock Saint Teresa of Avila, Five Steps to Mental Prayer: Preparation—Put yourself into the presence of God. Selection of material—Pick a setting/story from the Bible and place yourself in it. Consideration—Use meditation and imagination. Conversation—This is your heart-to-heart with Jesus. Talk to God. Conclusion—Is there a takeaway? A resolution? Close with a prayer of gratitude. Let's stay connected. Don't miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.  Want to keep the conversation going? Join our private Facebook community. Stay in the know. Connect with us today.  We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website. Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Pastor Jack Graham continues in the series “Songs for the Savior” looking at four carols for the King that come right out of Scripture. Today's message, “Salvation Song” is the hymn given by Zechariah the priest, a song known as “The Benedictus,” meaning “the blessing.” To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/395/29?v=20251111

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251208dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 3:1-2 Something Has Got to Change Something has got to change. Have you ever thought that? You might have thought that about your marriage or your relationship with your kids. You probably have thought that about your job or a working relationship with a coworker. At some point in your life, you have probably said that about something going on in government. Something has got to change. I would suspect, however, that when we’ve had this thought, often, we think this change should happen in someone else. Someone else needs to be fixed. Someone else needs to turn things around. After all, wouldn't the world just be better if everyone thought like I do and did things my way? But before we try to change everyone else, it might be helpful if we first look in the mirror and see if there are things about ourselves that need to be changed. That's really the message that God teaches us through the voice of John the Baptizer. If you had to summarize, John’s whole message, it would be this: repent. Repentance has two parts: 1) to acknowledge shortcomings, failures, and guilt, and then 2) to turn to Jesus and find forgiveness. You and I can’t change the hearts of other people. But God can and does change our hearts! Through the voice of John, God is calling for you and for me to look at our own lives and be honest about where we fall short, where we have done wrong, not just against others but against God. But in that call to repentance, God beckons us to lift our eyes to see the Savior who has forgiven us of our faults! That’s what Jesus has done for you! You don’t have to live in shame or fear for your faults. No, Jesus has paid for them with his sacrifice! Recognize your guilt but turn to Jesus and find that peace of forgiveness! Prayer: Dear God, I am broken and am truly sorry for my sin. Thank you for sending me my Savior who loves me and forgives me. Continue to help me daily repent and see the peace which Jesus brings. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Presented by Julie Busteed We don't use the word abide very often today. Yet Jesus uses it eleven times in John 15. The scene is the Last Supper. He has just washed his disciples' feet, and now he is teaching and praying for them—sharing his final words with them before the crucifixion. Because Jesus emphasizes this word so strongly, it's worth pausing to understand what he meant. He says: Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:4–5, ESV). The Greek word menō, translated “abide,” means to remain, stay, or dwell. It's an active word—not passive—implying an ongoing, intentional relationship. Some Bible translations even use the word remain. Matthew Henry, in his commentary, highlights the context well: Jesus was about to leave his disciples after being with them for three years. The disciples would soon face the temptation to drift from him, from each other, and from his teaching—perhaps even to return to the old patterns of the law. Jesus impresses on them the urgent importance of remaining in him and in community with one another. And he assures them that the helper, the Holy Spirit, would come to strengthen and sustain them.[1] In this passage, Jesus uses the image of the vine and the branches. Believers in Christ are the branches; he is the vine. A life of fruitfulness depends on staying connected to him. To abide in Christ starts with a relationship. The first step is to come to him as Lord and Savior, recognizing your need for forgiveness and grace. But that's only the beginning. As you follow him, the relationship grows deeper. You learn who he is, what he teaches, and how he calls each of us to live in obedience to him. To love God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. And love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). Abiding is a lifelong journey of growing, obeying, and staying connected. — [1] Matthew Henry, “John 15,” Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible, BibleGateway, n.d., https://www.biblegateway.com/.

O Holy Night is a well-known Christmas carol that began as a French poem celebrating the opening of a new church. The beloved song we know today was translated into English by John Sullivan Dwight, an American minister and abolitionist, in 1855.This poignant carol reflects on the birth of Jesus as humanity's redemption.O holy night! The stars are brightly shiningIt is the night of our dear Savior's birthLong lay the world in sin and error pining'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worthA thrill of hope the weary world rejoicesFor yonder breaks a new and glorious mornA thrill of hope...what a poignant, moving way to describe the feeling in our hearts as we approach the date we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.Right now, you may be feeling a weariness you haven't experienced before. Concerns about the health and well-being of your family, and worldly troubles beyond your control, maybe weighing heavily on your heart this year.We invite you to join us as we approach Christmas Day in rejoicing in the Lord. A new and glorious morning is on the way, and our hope is still, and always, in Jesus.Let's pray.Heavenly Father, we confess this year has made us weary. We pine for your holy presence, and we rejoice in your gift of Jesus! Be present among us, Lord. Bring peace to the chaos of this world and renew our hope for the coming year. We ask these things in Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Friends of the Rosary,Today, December 8, is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, a holy day of obligation.This dogma, defined by Blessed Pope Pius IX on December 8, 1854, proclaims that Our Lady was immaculately conceived. Mary, “full of grace” through God, was redeemed from the moment of her conception.The dogma stated, “The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.”Four years after this proclamation, the same Virgin Mary, appearing in Lourdes to St Bernadette, confirmed the truth of the doctrine by presenting herself with the title ‘I am the Immaculate Conception.'The profession of faith by Christians and the liturgy are very ancient.A final note, the Immaculate Conception is often mistakenly thought to be a feast celebrating the conception of Jesus. Actually, it's a feast that reminds us that Mary was conceived without Original Sin in the womb of her mother, St. Anne.Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠December 8, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Scripture: John 1:1-5; 14-18 + The Incarnation Philippians 2:5-8 "...the supreme mystery with which the gospel confronts us...lies not in the Good Friday message of atonement, nor in the Easter Sunday message of resurrection, but in the Christmas message of Incarnation. The really staggering Christian claim is that Jesus of Nazareth was God made man - that the second person of the Godhead...took humanity without loss of deity, so that Jesus of Nazareth was as truly and fully divine as he was human. Here are two mysteries for the price of one - the plurality of persons within the unity of God, and the union of Godhead and manhood in the person of Jesus." JI Packer, Knowing God. + To Reveal the Father to us Hebrews 1:1 + To Reconcile us to the Father 1 Timothy 2:3–5 + To Rescue us from our greatest enemies Hebrews 2:14–18 + To Relate to us in our weakness and suffering Hebrews 4:14–16 "All other men were lost sheep; he had come as the Good Shepherd to seek and to save them. All other men were sick with the disease of sin; he was the doctor who had come to heal them. All other men were plunged in the darkness of sin and ignorance; he was the light of the world. All other men were sinners; he was born to be their Savior and would shed his blood in death for the forgiveness of their sins. All other men were hungry; he was the bread of life. All other men were dead in trespasses and sins; he could be their life now and their resurrection hereafter." – John Stott, Basic Christianity. 1 John 1:1–4 2 John 7 Colossians 1:19 Colossians 2:9

In this message, Pastor Tony uses the movie Elf to frame a discussion about divine power versus secular "magic." Examining Acts 9:32-43, the sermon details two key miracles performed by Peter: the instantaneous healing of Aeneas, who had been paralyzed for eight years, and the surprising resurrection of the beloved disciple Tabitha. These acts of power lead to widespread belief in the cities of Liddah and Joppa, demonstrating that encountering Jesus's power fundamentally changes lives and communities.Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Download a copy of the Exodus JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: podcast@rivchurch.comSubscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Visit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: podcast@rivchurch.com

We celebrate Christmas because God sent His son into the world. But, who is Jesus, and what did He come to do?During Advent, we'll explore how Jesus fulfills four key roles: Prophet, Priest, King, and Savior. Each week reveals a new dimension of who He is and how we're called to live as people sent in His name.This week, Pastor Jim Mullins out of Hebrews 4:14-16 .WEBSITETo learn more about Redemption Tempe, find ways to get involved,  or opportunities to serve, visit our website: https://tempe.redemptionaz.com.OUR APPDownload our app redtem.in/tempeappOR text "tempe app" to 77977STAY CONNECTEDFacebook:    / redemptiontempe.  .Twitter:    / redemptiontem  Instagram:    / redemptiontempe..  .GIVINGEverything we have is a gift from the Lord because He owns it all. Therefore giving should be a priority for us who have received all we have. Giving cheerfully, sacrificially, and consistently is a part of our worship.Give Online: https://pushpay.com/g/redemptiontempe

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In times of pain, it's not empty promises but Jesus's presence that assures you that you're never alone. -------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.     Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org   Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251208dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 3:1-2 Something Has Got to Change Something has got to change. Have you ever thought that? You might have thought that about your marriage or your relationship with your kids. You probably have thought that about your job or a working relationship with a coworker. At some point in your life, you have probably said that about something going on in government. Something has got to change. I would suspect, however, that when we’ve had this thought, often, we think this change should happen in someone else. Someone else needs to be fixed. Someone else needs to turn things around. After all, wouldn't the world just be better if everyone thought like I do and did things my way? But before we try to change everyone else, it might be helpful if we first look in the mirror and see if there are things about ourselves that need to be changed. That's really the message that God teaches us through the voice of John the Baptizer. If you had to summarize, John’s whole message, it would be this: repent. Repentance has two parts: 1) to acknowledge shortcomings, failures, and guilt, and then 2) to turn to Jesus and find forgiveness. You and I can’t change the hearts of other people. But God can and does change our hearts! Through the voice of John, God is calling for you and for me to look at our own lives and be honest about where we fall short, where we have done wrong, not just against others but against God. But in that call to repentance, God beckons us to lift our eyes to see the Savior who has forgiven us of our faults! That’s what Jesus has done for you! You don’t have to live in shame or fear for your faults. No, Jesus has paid for them with his sacrifice! Recognize your guilt but turn to Jesus and find that peace of forgiveness! Prayer: Dear God, I am broken and am truly sorry for my sin. Thank you for sending me my Savior who loves me and forgives me. Continue to help me daily repent and see the peace which Jesus brings. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, yet many people enter this season exhausted, overwhelmed, or feeling far from joyful and triumphant. In this message, Lead Pastor Aaron Pennington opens our Christmas series, Songs of Christmas, by taking us deeper into the meaning behind the classic hymn O Come All Ye Faithful.Rather than treating Christmas music as background noise, Pastor Aaron shows how this 250 year old hymn is actually a calling to reorient our hearts toward Jesus. Using Colossians 1, Matthew 11, Hebrews 4, and the overarching story of Scripture, he explains what it truly means to adore Christ and why adoration goes far beyond seasonal emotion. It is the highest biblical expression of worship, placing Christ as the supreme affection of our lives.Whether you walked into this season feeling faithful, joyful, or triumphant, or whether you feel weary, broken, disappointed, or unsure about faith, this message reminds you that the hymn is not describing your performance. It is describing the victory of Jesus that you step into by faith.Pastor Aaron also addresses the emotional weight many people carry in December and offers the comfort Jesus gives to the weary. Because Christ took on flesh and experienced suffering, betrayal, exhaustion, and pain, we can never say to God, “You do not understand.” He understands completely and invites us to come boldly to receive mercy and grace.This message will help you slow down, refocus your heart, and rediscover why Jesus is worthy of all devotion, affection, and adoration this Christmas. Learn why Christmas is not about having it all together but about the Savior who came to rescue us, redeem us, and offer eternal life to all who trust him.

Have you ever wondered what Christmas tree farmers do with all of the stumps that are left over after the trees are cut, bundled and sent out for sale? It's impressive. Using the imagery of a stump and a shoot, Isaiah describes how God's love, and His gift to us of a Savior, is more than remarkable. It's a miracle!

We journey into some of the worst prisons around the world to see how God's Word is changing lives. Even as they remain incarcerated, these men and women are finding peace, joy and freedom that comes from knowing Christ as their Savior. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/701/29?v=20251111

December 7, 2025 The Christian life is about the praise of the Savior, and a love for God’s people that flows out of being accepted by Christ. Scripture: Romans 15:4-13

What do you do when God's plan interrupts everything you thought your life would be? Joseph never asked to be at the center of the greatest story ever told—but when God spoke, he listened. In this powerful message, we see how quiet obedience, godly character, and fearless faith positioned Joseph to play a critical role in God's redemptive plan. Through the miracle of Jesus' birth, we're reminded that Christmas isn't about fame, comfort, or applause—it's about faithful surrender to a Savior who came to be God with us. If Joseph trusted God with everything… what is God asking you to trust Him with today?

In this 24-minute Christmas special, Joni shares hope-filled insights on how you can create the Christmas spirit in your home and in your heart. Join Joni, along with her husband Ken, and their good friend, Shauna, as she helps us focus on Jesus through Scripture, Christmas carols, prayer, and practical ideas. -------- This Christmas, you can shine the light of Christ into places of darkness and pain with a purchase from the Joni and Friends Christmas catalog. You are sending hope and practical care to people with disabilities, all in the name of Jesus!   Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.   Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Read OnlineThe angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Luke 1:26–29The Blessed Virgin Mary was “full of grace!” To be “full” means just that—full, lacking in nothing. This fullness of grace signified that she embodied the perfection of every virtue, particularly humility. Humility is seeing oneself in the light of truth, neither exaggerated nor diminished. Mary's humility is strikingly revealed in her reaction to the angel Gabriel's greeting—she was “greatly troubled at what was said” and pondered it deeply.Why would the Mother of God be troubled? Why not simply respond with confidence, saying, “Thank you for noticing that I am full of grace?” Because Mary knew that her fullness of grace was not due to her own merits. It was entirely beyond her natural abilities and was the result of God's gracious initiative. Mary freely cooperated with grace throughout her life, and she knew that God alone was the source of every gift. Therefore, her initial reaction of being “troubled” was not due to doubt or fear but was the fruit of her wonder and awe at the incomprehensible blessings bestowed upon her. She saw clearly her own lowliness and unworthiness in relation to God, and this profound humility made her the most beautiful of all creatures.Her heart, filled with wonder and contemplation, not only made Mary the Immaculate Mother of God but also sets before us a model of perfect discipleship. Though we are not “full” of grace as she was, we receive countless graces daily. Like Mary, we must strive to respond to these gifts with humility, awe, and gratitude.Today, as we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Immaculate Conception, we remember that while Adam and Eve were created in a state of Original Innocence, they fell from grace through disobedience. As a result, humanity inherited a fallen nature. However, by a singular grace, Mary was preserved from the stain of Original Sin from the very moment of her conception. This prevenient grace—a grace that was given to her before any merit or action on her part—was given to her in light of the future merits of her Son, Jesus Christ. Thus, Mary was redeemed in an extraordinary way, and her soul was preserved from concupiscence and all of the effects of sin. Unlike Adam and Eve, who turned away from God, Mary remained faithful to Him throughout her life, earning her the title, “The New Eve.”As we celebrate the Immaculate Conception, reflect today on the mystery of Mary's life and soul. While we can understand her unique role in salvation history to a certain degree, the full beauty and depth of her Immaculate Heart will only be fully revealed in Heaven. For now, we are invited to meditate upon her profound humility, her life of grace, and her role as the model of Christian discipleship. Dearest Mother of God, you are the Immaculate Conception, filled with grace from the first moment of your existence. You never turned away from God's gift of grace, given to you through the merits of your Son. Pray for me, that I may come to understand the virtues you embody and strive to imitate your holiness. Help me to embrace the grace that draws me closer to your Son, our Savior. Immaculate Conception, pray for us. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

This week Chuck turns our eyes toward Advent — a season built on anticipation. Christmas didn't happen overnight… God's people waited generations for the promised Savior. And even now, the best things in life are formed in the seasons where we learn to wait well. Chuck reminds us that waiting isn't a punishment or a pause — it's part of God's process. Just like Christmas came in God's perfect timing, the blessings, answers, and direction we're praying for will too. Waiting stretches our faith, teaches patience, and reminds us that God is writing a story far better than anything we could force on our own. "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son…" – Galatians 4:4  

Sunday – 12/07/2025 – For This Reason Part 3 – Jesus was Born to be Our Savior

Guest Preacher: Kris Cooper preaches from Luke 7:11-17

Over two thousand years ago, a baby boy was sent to the world to live a perfect life, die a death He didn't deserve, and resurrect three days later. Why? Because the world needed a Savior. But the part we often forget is that Jesus wasn't just sent to save us from our sins; He was sent to send us out on a mission. Listen in as we discover this special calling and how we can be a part of it today.

In this message, Pastor Andrew encourages believers to move beyond the commercialized hustle of the season and prioritize the true purpose of Christmas: focusing on the person of Christ. He distinguishes that while the holiday may be cultural, the miracle is biblical, reminding listeners that this is a powerful season to receive the miracle they need. The essential focus is the "spirit in Christmas," emphasizing that the Holy Spirit initiated the miracle of Jesus's birth, causing the Holy One to be born and called the Son of God, as the power of the Highest overshadowed Mary (Luke 1:35). The Holy Spirit also reveals who Jesus truly is, moving the devout Simeon to recognize the child as the Lord's Christ and the salvation prepared for all people (Luke 2:25-30). Ultimately, the Spirit's work makes it possible for us to be reunited to God the Father and be transformed from slaves into sons and heirs of God through Christ (Galatians 4:6-7). This Christmas season, we are challenged to seek "more Christ" and ensure that our hearts reflect the light and glory of the Savior of the world.

John 1:14 brings us to one of the most glorious truths about our Savior: that the Son of God was “Begotten, Not Made.” We will explore this in the text and also examine how this doctrine is stated in the Nicene Creed, but ultimately my prayer is that our minds would be filled with truth about the son of God, our hearts moved with love for Christ, and our lives more clearly reflect our Savior.

In this enlightening episode of the Faith with Friends podcast, host Lisa Lorenzo walks listeners through the Gospel of Luke, chapter 7. The discussion is a part of an ongoing series where Lisa dedicates each episode to a chapter of Luke, aiming to immerse listeners in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as Christmas approaches. This episode delves into themes of faith, compassion, humility, and transformation, using powerful narratives from Luke 7 as foundational lessons.Lisa begins by recounting the story of the Roman centurion, highlighting Jesus's reaction to the centurion's demonstration of faith. The narrative unfolds with the widow of Nain, showcasing Jesus's immense compassion as he raises her son from the dead. The episode then explores John the Baptist's doubt during imprisonment and how Jesus reassures him with evidence of His works. Finally, Lisa delves into the touching scene of a sinful woman displaying her remorse and love at Jesus's feet, emphasizing the themes of forgiveness and grace. Throughout, Lisa stresses how these illustrative encounters reveal Jesus as a Savior full of authority, compassion, and an unconditional willingness to forgive and transform.Key Takeaways:Faith and Humility: The Roman centurion's story illustrates the power of faith and humility, showing how these qualities can move Jesus to act.Compassion in Action: Jesus's encounter with the widow of Nain reveals His deep compassion and willingness to defy societal norms to bring life where there is despair.Reassurance in Doubt: John the Baptist's story underscores that expressing doubt is not condemned by Jesus, who provides reassurance through his works and words.Forgiveness and Love: The account of the sinful woman demonstrates that Jesus looks beyond societal labels, welcoming sincere repentance with forgiveness and grace.Transformation through Surrender: Lisa emphasizes that surrendering to Jesus brings transformation, as faith and honesty invoke His presence and compassion.Notable Quotes:“Jesus is amazed, one of the only times in scriptures that says this, and he praises the man for his faith.”“And this moment shows us that Jesus responds to our faith and our humility, not status and position.”“When the Lord saw her, his heart was overflowed with compassion.”“Jesus meets us in our doubts with reassurance, not condemnation.”“Jesus sees past your past. He welcomes the broken, he restores the ashamed, and he forgives fully and deeply.”Resources:Follow Lisa Lorenzo on Instagram: @faithwithfriendsAre you moved by the powerful stories of faith and transformation? Join Lisa Lorenzo in this enriching episode as she uncovers profound truths from Luke 7, and tune in tomorrow for another chapter that continues to bring the heart of Jesus into focus. Stay connected with Faith with Friends for more insight

This is the second sermon from the 2025 Advent series, "The Savior Has Come."

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭45‬-‭56‬ ‭NIV‬‬I. MAGNIFY: Worship Begins with Right PerspectiveLuke 1:46-47 ESVMary doesn't say “my soul feels the Lord”—she says “my soul magnifies the Lord.” Worship isn't about amplifying your feelings; it's about amplifying God's greatnessIllustration:"A telescope doesn't make stars bigger—it helps you see how big they already are.” “You become small when you make yourself big. You become significant when you make God big.”“Mary called Him ‘Savior' before the manger, before the cross—she knew she needed rescue too.”Application: Even the mother of Jesus needed a Savior. Nobody gets to God on their résumé.What's competing with God for the “bigness” in your life?II. MERCY: Remember That Grace Flows to the Low Places God didn't choose Mary because she was exceptional—He chose her because she was available. Her “humble estate” wasn't an obstacle to God's plan; it was a qualification for it.Luke 1:48-49“God's eyes scan past the spotlight to find the servant.”“Mercy isn't God meeting you halfway—it's God coming all the way down.” “Fear of the Lord isn't terror—it's the awe that makes you finally stop performing.”“Pride says, ‘Look what I've done.' Humility says, ‘Look what He's doing.'”Application: Stop trying to make yourself impressive enough for God. Emptiness/Brokenness is the invitation.III. MIGHTY REVERSALS: The Gospel Turns the World Upside Down Luke 1:51-53This isn't just future prophecy—it's present reality wherever the gospel takes root. The kingdom of God inverts every human hierarchy.Potential memorable quotes: pretending you have it together…. Says you don't need grace“The proud get scattered because they were never really together.”The modern world is not evil; in some ways the modern world is far too good. It is full of wild and wasted virtues. When a religious scheme is shattered (as Christianity was shattered at the Reformation), it is not merely the vices that are let loose. The vices are, indeed, let loose, and they wander and do damage. But the virtues are let loose also; and the virtues wander more wildly, and the virtues do more terrible damage. The modern world is full of the old Christian virtues gone mad. The virtues have gone mad because they have been isolated from each other and are wandering alone. Thus some scientists care for truth; and their truth is pitiless. Thus some humanitarians only care for pity; and their pity (I am sorry to say) is often untruthful. GK Chesterton (Orthodoxy)Timothy Keller said it this way: The ultimate reversal happened at the cross. The Mighty One became weak. The Rich One became poor. The Exalted One was humbled to death. Why? So that in Him, our weakness becomes strength, our poverty becomes riches, and our humiliation becomes glory.Application: What are you gripping so tightly that God can't fill your hands? What throne are you protecting that's blocking your blessing?IV. MEMORY: God Keeps Promises We Forgot He MadeLuke 1:54-55Two thousand years of silence, and God hadn't forgotten a single syllable of His covenant. Mary's baby was the “Yes” to a promise made to Abraham in Genesis 12.

What Changes When You Know the End? | Christ For YouText: Luke 21:25–36 | Second Sunday in AdventWhy does Jesus tell you exactly how the world will end?Why describe the heavens shaking, nations collapsing, and people fainting—only to tell His disciples, “Lift up your heads”?This sermon presses into the mystery: knowing the end changes everything. When the world panics, believers look up. When creation collapses, Redemption arrives. The Judge who terrifies the nations is the same Savior who died for you.If you have nothing to fear on the worst day in human history, what do you have to fear on any other day?Subscribe & Share:Apple Podcasts: Christ For YouSpotify: Christ For YouWebsite: ZionWG.orgContact:PastorRojas@ZionWG.org

A meditation preached by Fr. Eric Nicolai at Lyncroft Centre, Toronto on December 6, 2025. The hymn of Our Lady, the Magnificat, (Luke 1, 46-55) is a pause in the infancy narrative, so that we can meditate on the events. It is as though we had to pause, think, catch our breath, and pray.“My soul magnifies the Lord,     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is his name. Thumbnail: The Magnificat" from the Church of Reconciliation, the church of the Taize Community in FranceMusic: relaxing-piano-music-248868

Summary: The message reveals how God's ancient promise of a Savior is fulfilled in Jesus and invites us to unwrap the hope, peace, and victory He offers today.Title: Unwrapping Christmas, Part 1: Unwrapping the PromiseDate: 12/7/25, 10am, Sunday SermonSpeaker: Pastor Tom Van KempenApproximate Outline:00:00 - Opening & Christmas Joy03:12 - Introducing “Unwrapping Christmas”06:10 - The First Promise in Genesis 3:1510:45 - God's Redemption Plan14:22 - Prophecies of Isaiah20:05 - The Bethlehem Promise23:40 - The Promise Fulfilled in Jesus28:18 - Mary's Faith and Surrender32:55 - Hope as an Anchor36:12 - Christmas Applications & Invitation

Repentance is necessary to receive Christ the Savior!

One of the reasons Jesus is God's INDESCRIBABLE gift is because Jesus is the most surprising gift in all history. No one saw God's Savior coming the way he did. But our familiarity with the Christmas story means we often miss it's surprises.

God doesn't CANCEL broken people, he CHOOSES them…and then He USES them. Your past doesn't disqualify you from taking part in the miracles of God. God wants to use you in your brokenness and regret. He uses broken people to reach broken people. If we all wait until we feel “perfect”, we'll likely never step into our purpose. God can do miraculous things with a repentant heart. The story of David and Bathsheba is where we kick off our new Christmas series, and how Jesus is born through a lineage of what the world would have called hopeless. If you're feeling hopeless today, or like you're too far gone for God to reach, this message is for you!