church in sacramento

Today we celebrate the final week of Advent. Advent is a time set aside for us to turn toward reflective preparation, sacred anticipation, and a faith-stirring season rooted in the story of Jesus’ birth.

This week’s advent readings are: 

Matthew 1:18-22 (ESV)

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name emmanuel” (which means, God with us)

Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.

 

Thoughts to consider this week:

• Thinking back through the month of Advent, can you sense any invitations from God?
• Has anything been initiated within you through God’s gift of His presence?
• Is there something right now that feels chaotic? Take a moment now to write this out or offer it to God in prayer. Say a welcoming prayer, “God, I welcome you into this chaos. Increase my ability to see you through it all, and grant me peace as I walk it out with you.”
• Take the last few moments in a time of gratitude. Thanking God for this gift of His presence this advent season.

Last week we started a new teaching series through portions of 1 Samuel. We will look at the rise and fall of the first two kings of Israel: Saul + David. These are ancient stories three millennia old and have stood the test of time, and we believe they are worth our attention.

This week we are focusing on the story around David being annointed by Samuel. 

 

In this new series, Eastertide, we are going to look at a grouping of stories that took place after Jesus’ death and resurrection, and how he visited his disciples and showed them he was alive and built back their faith.

Eastertide in the church calendar is this time between the resurrection and Jesus’ ascension. It is during this time that Jesus met with his disciples, even amidst their disappointment, disorientation, and doubt. Jesus met with them, exactly where they were at, as the author and perfecter of faith – restoring his disciples back to faith through personal encounter and experience.

We are excited to continue this series together. Enjoy the message from Sunday. It's titled Eastertide: All Shall Be Well.