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Showing posts from December, 2024

Embracing the Gift of Joy

The third week of Advent invites us to pause and reflect on a powerful and transformative theme: joy. It’s a week marked by celebration, as we light the pink candle on the Advent wreath, also known as the “Shepherd’s Candle.” This symbol reminds us of the joyful proclamation delivered to the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth: "I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11) Joy Amid Uncertainty The shepherds were unlikely recipients of such momentous news. They were ordinary people, going about their daily routines, likely enduring challenges and hardships. Yet, God chose to deliver the message of joy to them, reminding us that joy is not reserved for the privileged or the perfect moments in life. It is a gift available to all, no matter the circumstances. For many of us, this season can feel overshadowed by stress, grief, or unmet expectations. The...

A Season of Anticipation

     Welcome to our second week of Advent, a season of waiting and preparation. This week, we are talking about the theme of peace, exploring its biblical roots and its relevance in our lives today. As we journey through the scriptures, we aim to understand the peace that Jesus brought into the world and how we can embody and share this peace in our daily lives.      Advent is a season of anticipation and preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. It is marked by four themes: hope, peace, joy, and love. Each week, we light a candle representing one of these themes, culminating in the lighting of the Christ candle on Christmas Eve. This tradition symbolizes the light of Christ coming into the world.      Isaiah 9:6-7 foretells the coming of a child who will be called the Prince of Peace. This prophecy highlights the eternal peace that Jesus would bring, a peace that surpasses all understanding and is rooted in justice and righteousness. ...

Understanding Hope

     Hope is a powerful force that drives us forward, even in the darkest times. According to Merriam-Webster, to hope means "to cherish a desire with anticipation, to look forward to something with a specific desire." As believers, our hope is anchored in Jesus Christ, who promises us eternal life and guides us through our daily struggles.      One of the key verses highlighting hope is Isaiah 9:2: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone." This verse symbolizes the Israelites' hope for the coming of the Messiah, a hope that was fulfilled with the birth of Jesus Christ.      Hope is not just about the afterlife; it plays a crucial role in our daily existence. We hope for happy marriages, better lives for our children, and positive outcomes in our work. This hope is fueled by our confidence in God's love and control over our lives.      The l...

My Prayer for You

     Worship is a vital part of our spiritual journey. At Multiply, we choose songs that are biblically accurate and glorify Jesus, regardless of their origin. The focus is on lifting up the name of Jesus and ensuring that our worship points to Him. This approach helps us stay grounded in our faith and keeps our worship pure and meaningful.      Worship is not just about singing; it's about experiencing the presence of God. When we sing songs that glorify Jesus, we are reminded of His goodness and faithfulness. This strengthens our faith and encourages us to keep moving forward, even in difficult times.      Life is full of ups and downs, but as believers, we have the assurance that we are not alone. God walks with us through every valley, and His presence gives us the strength to keep going. Our lives are a testimony of His faithfulness, and our stories can inspire others to trust in Him.      Many in our congregation have fac...