Scripture: Romans 8:29, Luke 6:39-40,Galatians 3:3, Matthew 11:28-30

Speaker: Scott Meyer

Summary: The sermon teaches that the goal of the Christian life is not merely to get to heaven, but to become more and more like Jesus each day. Everyone is always being formed by something. It may be stories, habits, relationships, experiences, and environments. Disciples of Jesus must intentionally choose what is shaping them. Becoming like Jesus is a lifelong process that requires the power of the Holy Spirit and our active participation in the practices of Jesus. Spiritual formation is not achieved by knowledge alone or passive faith, but through cooperating with God as we adopt Jesus’ way of life. Our lives are “under construction,” and by God’s Spirit, we are being transformed to reflect Christ more clearly until the end.

Scripture: Mark 8:34, Mark 1:16-20, Mark 2:13-14, Mark 10:21

Speaker: Scott Meyer

Summary: This message introduces 2026 as a year focused on rediscovering what it truly means to follow Jesus. Everyone is constantly being formed by something, and the church must move beyond attendance and information toward genuine spiritual formation. Using Jesus’ invitation to “follow me,” a call to discipleship that means becoming an apprentice of Jesus — being with Him, becoming like Him, and doing what He did. The goal of faith is not simply being right or religious, but being transformed into the character and life of Christ through an active relationship empowered by the Holy Spirit. This challenge is for each person to consider who or what they are following and to commit their lives to following Jesus as their rabbi.

Scripture: John 1:1-18

Speaker: Scott Meyer

Summary:

The apostle, John’s “Christmas card” in John 1, shows us that Christmas is the miracle of God stepping into the world through the incarnation of Jesus, the Word made flesh. It highlights three gifts Jesus brings: He is the Light that overcomes darkness and reveals truth, He gives believers a new identity as children of God, and He offers inexhaustible grace. Christ's coming is not about human effort to reach God but about God descending to reach humanity and bring humanity into relationship with God. Through Jesus, God becomes present with us and offers rescue. The invitation of Christmas is to receive the Light, accept our identity as God’s children, and live from grace instead of guilt.

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Speaker: Scott Meyer

Summary: Luke’s Christmas story is written for those who feel overlooked, excluded, or left out, showing that God intentionally enters ordinary, difficult, and uncomfortable realities. Jesus is born not in glitter or comfort, but amid bureaucracy, travel, poverty, and a manger, revealing that God meets people right where they are. The first announcement of Christ’s birth is given to shepherds—outsiders and nobodies—proclaiming that the gospel is for all, especially the marginalized. Through Jesus, true peace (shalom) becomes possible: peace with God, with others, and within ourselves, regardless of circumstances. Christmas, therefore, is not just a story to admire but a Savior to seek, respond to, worship, and joyfully share with others.

Scripture: Mark 1:1

Speaker: Scott Meyer

Summary:

The sermon presents Mark’s Gospel as a Christmas “card” that proclaims not a sentimental birth story but a bold headline: “The beginning of the good news about Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God.” Mark’s nativity is framed as a decisive announcement that something world-changing has happened—God has acted in history, not merely offered an idea or feeling. The good news is that Jesus, whose name means “God saves,” is the promised Messiah who fulfills every hope and promise of Scripture by coming as a Savior first. By calling Jesus the Son of God, Mark declares that God is not distant but has stepped into our broken world and our personal stories to rescue us. Christmas, therefore, is a proclamation of victory and hope, inviting us to receive and boldly declare that Jesus has arrived for us.

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25, Matthew 2:1-12

Speaker: Scott Meyer

Summary: Scott introduces the Advent series by comparing each Gospel’s account of Jesus’ birth to a unique Christmas card, beginning with Matthew’s perspective. Matthew highlights Jesus as the long-promised King by tracing His genealogy and openly presenting the difficult, even dark, realities surrounding His birth—especially Joseph’s initial crisis and courageous obedience. Joseph’s story shows that Christmas is proof God keeps His promises, both globally to the world and personally to individuals, even when circumstances feel disappointing or confusing. The visit of the wise men contrasts those who welcome Jesus with joyful worship against those, like Herod, who resist Him out of fear and self-protection. Ultimately, listeners are called to respond to Jesus' arrival with worship and trust, especially in the places where they feel fear, brokenness, or uncertainty.

Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, bring the 5th message in the series.

Scott Seela, Community Impact Minister, brings the 4th message in the series.