SERMON NOTES
The Wonder of Christmas
The wonder of Christmas pulls you in and makes you look twice. You see a God who steps toward you, a love that does more than watch from a distance, and a Savior who enters a real world with real problems to bring real hope. This series invites you to slow down and notice what God is doing. You get to hear the story again with fresh eyes, ask what it means for God to come close, and see how this changes your life today. What if Christmas is bigger than memories, traditions, or noise? What if the wonder is that God chooses to be with you? Come ready to explore and come ready to be surprised.
The Wonder of Peace
You carry worries that unsettle your heart and pull your mind in every direction. Christmas speaks into that unrest with a peace you cannot manufacture. God steps into the world with a presence strong enough to steady you even when life feels uncertain. Peace becomes more than the absence of trouble. It becomes a person who meets you, calms you, and leads you forward.
Bible Verses
Numbers 6:24-26 - Isaiah 9:6 - Luke 1:26-38 - John 14:27
Action Items:
Stay Connected
Set aside one intentional moment each day to sit with God’s word and let it steady your heart. Read through Luke 1:26-38. Ask yourself: What part of your life needs God’s presence more than your control?
Live Productive
Choose one act of obedience this week even if the outcome is unclear. Ask yourself
What simple step can you take that says Lord, I trust You with this?
Move Closer to Real Shalom
Release one thing you’ve been trying to control and hand it back to God in prayer. Ask yourself: What do you need to release so God can settle your heart?
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Traditional Service
WELCOME
PRELUDE/LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES
*CALL TO WORSHIP Jim Brookhart
L: We gather because we long for real peace.
P: We turn to God, the One who gives peace deeper than our circumstances.
L: Mary heard the words do not be afraid.
P: We bring our fear and ask God to steady our hearts.
L: God shines His face toward His people.
P: We look for His presence and His peace today. Amen.
Advent Reading & Lighting of Candles Gosney Family
*SONG #220 (vs 1, 2 & 4) “Angels from the Realms of Glory”
*SONG #223 (vs 1-3) “Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light”
GENEROSITY Pastor Suzanne Epperly
Special Music Emily Estes-Bailey “Quia Respexit” by J.S. Bach
*Doxology
*OFFERTORY PRAYER Jim Brookhart
God, You give peace that the world cannot create.
You meet us in our fear and speak calm to our hearts.
Receive what we offer today. Keep us close to You so our lives reflect Your peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.
COMMUNITY PRAYER Pastor Suzanne Epperly
MESSAGE The Wonder of Christmas: Peace
Pastor Steven Mitchell
COMMUNION
Everyone is invited to take communion, including children.
We view communion as a holy place to encounter God’s grace.
*SONG NO. 240 (vs 1-3) “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
*BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE