A Downtown Christmas

Christmas is a time of hope and anticipation. Presents are piled up under trees in homes. Department stores call to us with things we cannot live without and things we must give if we love our friends and family. The tragedy is that every year we get roped into the same hollow claims and find ourselves just as empty at noon on Christmas day, even though we have opened every present.

Think back to the first Christmas. Think about Mary and Joseph. Did they receive the news of the coming Messiah like Ralphie embraced his Red Ryder BB gun? Probably not. They experienced fear, concern, shame, and a lot of doubt with the news they received. They had to walk by faith–just like we do today. Theirs was a difficult assignment, which is likely the reason that God surrounded them with so many voices of encouragement.

Think now about your life and this Christmas. What you really need doesn’t come under a tree. It would be so much easier if we could receive what we really want wrapped in a beautiful package. If only we could solve people’s problems with money or a gift. The truth is that Jesus is the answer to the deepest longings of our heart. How busy has your heart been in the last few weeks looking for something to bring you peace? How active have your eyes been looking for hope? How much have you worked to make home the perfect place for love this year? Jesus is what we really need.

The promise of God is more love, hope, and peace than you’ve ever imagined, but you can miss the miracle by having no room in your life for Jesus - just like the inns in Bethlehem. This year, open your heart to Jesus and receive a gift that will last for eternity. If you’d like to worship with us this Christmas or talk to someone about your relationship with Jesus, we invite you to click one of the buttons below.