When our glasses are dirty and scratched or when our contacts have debris on them, it impacts the way we see and perceive the world around us. We might be able to see something in front of us, but we may not see it clearly or be able to recognize what it really is. In the same way, our perception of other people, or even ourselves, can be clouded. We don't see things the way we should. We rely on superficial things, negative character traits, past failures, and hurtful comments to determine how we view ourselves or how we view others. Why is it that I sometimes have a cluttered perception of myself or other people? How do I clean out the clutter keeps me from truly seeing things the way God wants me to?

We all have lots of different things to which we give our attention, our effort, our time, even our finances. And most of the time the things that dominate our schedules and our list of priorities aren't necessarily bad in and of themselves. There's nothing wrong with advancing our careers or setting and accomplishing goals or having nice possessions. But what about when I become more passionate about pursuing those things than I am about pursuing God? What do I do when something besides God begins to own my heart?

Many of us have allowed ourselves to accumulate a lot of junk. Not old clothes or broken toys or containers of random bolts and electrical cords, but we accumulate addictions and criticisms and debt and various anxieties. We hold onto thoughts and habits and even relationships that are unhealthy or hurtful, and they end up clogging up our minds and our hearts and keep us from freely experiencing the life God wants to carve out for us. We invite you to join us at Flagstone as we begin the new year identifying some of the clutter we’re holding onto and discovering how to clean it out and experience a more uncluttered life.

After the final Christmas songs fade in Luke 1–2, a storm begins to gather around the newly born Son of God. The joy of angels gives way to danger, and the fate of Jesus—and His family—rests largely in the hands of His earthly father, Joseph. As Herod schemes to destroy every boy two years old and under, Joseph responds with quiet, decisive faith, following God’s direction without hesitation in the latter half of Matthew 2. So what can we learn from Joseph’s quiet song of faith—one sung not with words, but with obedience

As Christmas Day approaches, many of us go through our lists of people we need to buy gifts for to make sure we haven't left anyone out. There are some gifts that are more generic and given without a lot of thought. There are some gifts that have a special significance to them or a special reasons behind the giving. Centuries ago there was an old man who took an infant in his arms and recognized that he was hold a special, precious gift. Who was this man? And what can the song that he sang hundreds of years ago teach us about God's grace and acceptance?

The winter holiday season can easily become one of the most stressed-filled, chaotic times of the year. We have parties and gift exchanges and travel plans and holiday traditions that can quickly create a sense of anxiety and pressure. Add to that the negative feelings many of us experience during this time of year with broken relationships, family strains, and maybe memories of lost loved ones. Sometimes the thing we feel the least during the holiday season is the thing we need most - peace. And yet that's what a special group proclaimed in song the night Jesus was born - that God was bringing mankind the gift of peace. So who were these special singers? And how do I experience the peace they sang about when Jesus came into this world?

Many of us have watched so many Christmas pageants, sang so many Christmas carols, and gazed at so many nativity scenes that we may no longer feel surprise or wonder when we look at the story of the birth of Jesus. But the nativity story is full of unexpected moments, including when Jesus’ mother Mary was surprised by a visit from an angel. What was her reaction to this unexpected messenger? And what does the song she sang in the middle of her fear teach me about trust and about surrendering to God’s will?

What songs are on your Christmas playlist? “All I Want for Christmas Is You”? “Last Christmas”? Or maybe something a little more classic like “Jingle Bells” or “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”? Christmas playlists help us enjoy the holiday season with songs dedicated to Santa Claus and sleigh rides and winter wonderlands. But there are also several Christmas songs that help focus our thoughts on the birth of Jesus. Actually the Bible itself shares multiple songs that announced and celebrated the arrival of the Son of God into our world. This Christmas season at Flagstone, we are going to discover those ancient “Christmas Playlists,” and we are going to recognize that the messages conveyed in those celebrations still contain truths for us today.