"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6   Some questions have answers that almost feel automatic. Growing up in Sunday School, “Jesus” seemed to be the answer to everything. Who’s your hero? Jesus. What’s the greatest gift you’ve ...  Read More

"But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind." - James 1:6-8   Have you ever noticed how doubt drains joy? When doubts creep in, it feels like you’re tossed around by every uncertainty, just like James describes—a surging sea, unsteady and turbulent. When doubt takes root, it clouds our view of God’s promises, m...  Read More

"Simeon took him up in his arms and blessed God..." - Luke 2:28   Think back to a moment you anticipated for weeks, maybe even years; your wedding, graduation, Christmas morning as a child. That thrill and eagerness to see the day finally arrive likely kept you excited and hopeful.  Imagine then, the joy Simeon felt when he saw God’s promise fulfilled, holding the long-awaited Messiah in his arms....  Read More

"Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ." - Luke 2:25-26   When the shepherds met Jesus, their lives were transformed, and they couldn't keep the news to ...  Read More

"When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.' And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger." - Luke 2:15-16  Imagine being out in the fields at night, just minding your own business, when an angel appears out of nowher...  Read More

"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'" - Luke 2:10-11   Have you ever noticed how easily we let small things shape our mood? I remember growing up in Texas and being a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan. In the late ’80s and early ’90s, th...  Read More

"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'" - Luke 2:10   Joy, real lasting joy, isn’t something you can chase or achieve through perfect circumstances. You might find fun and happiness in hobbies, family gatherings, or favorite activities, but joy is different. It was designed to come from only one source: Jesus.  When ...  Read More

"I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." - John 10:10   Let’s get one thing straight, it’s okay to have fun at church! In fact, it’s actually more than okay, it’s essential, because you are the Church. And a Church full of joy? That’s exactly what God intended. The life He’s given us is meant to be full, not just to survive but to thrive with joy and purpose. As John 1:4 says, “In ...  Read More

"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'" - Luke 2:10   In the business of this season, it’s easy to lose sight of what Christmas is all about. But Christmas is really about one beautiful thing: a God who loved you so deeply that He sent His one and only Son so that you could have real, lasting joy. On the night Jesus ...  Read More

"But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days." - Micah 5:2   When Isaac Watts finished writing "Joy to the World," he wrote at the top of the page: “The Messiah’s Coming and Kingdom.” That was the heart of the song, the anticipation of Chris...  Read More

"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!" - Psalm 98:4   What’s your favorite Christmas song? Take a moment to think about it. Maybe it’s “Silent Night” or “Away in a Manger.” Or perhaps it’s a classic like “Joy to the World.” Whatever it is, Christmas songs bring joy, warmth, and a sense of celebration. But have you ever stopped to think abou...  Read More

"Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him." - Psalm 62:8   Waiting. It’s something we all experience, whether we’re waiting for answers, healing, or direction. Sometimes, waiting can feel like a burden. Yet, as we look to God's Word, we see that there is a purposeful way to wait. If you’re in a season of waiting today, take these three key thoughts from Scripture to heart: ...  Read More