This week we get to return to John 6 (Lesson #21), where we got to spend the first week of both November and December preparing our hearts to partake of the Lord's Supper in the service. In this chapter we again see the power of Jesus on display. People are flocking to Him because He has opened blinded eyes and restored crippled legs. He feeds thousands of people with just a few fish and loaves of bread, with plenty to spare! No wonder they are ready to crown Him king to take care of all of their problems! I know I would be right there with them! But little did they understand, He was already King, ruling over the entire universe.

At Christmas we often picture Jesus as the little baby in the manger. And that's important. Jesus came in humility, born in a stable full of stinky animals, and not in an extravagent palace. But it always blows my mind to think about this - that baby in the hay is still the King of kings and Lord of lords. That baby is still the One who created all things and holding them all together. He is also the One who will heal the sick, raise the dead, feed the multitudes, die on a cross, and be raised on the third day so that He can feed us for eternity.

We are probably going to be rubbing shoulders over the next week with people who are celebrating Christmas out of mere tradition, or maybe from a very worldly perspective, or perhaps with those who are following Jesus because of what they perceive they can get from Him. Pray that they would be given eyes to see the King of kings in the manger this Christmas. Tell them that He offers them much more than the sweet comforts of Christmas cookies. And show them that in Him is true life indeed, peace that surpasses comprehension, joy unspeakable,  and hope everlasting! Have a blessed and joy-filled Christmas as you worship Jesus in thought, word, and deed!

Promise Kingdom Prelude

Your children will be singing the prelude for this Sunday's service at 10:20. Jason Schlicht will give any specific instructions on Sunday. For now, plan to have your kids lined up at the back of the auditorium by 10:15. After the song the kids will be dismissed to find their parents and sit with them for the remainder of the service.

Pray for Ryan & Seth

I'm sure Ryan Wyss and Seth Beyersdorf would appreciate your prayers as they prepare to preach. Ryan will give the message this Sunday and Seth is preaching on Christmas Eve. Can't wait to see what God has for us in His Word through these men!

See you Sunday!

Pastor Jonathan