Sunday Worship Service Livestream


November 16, 2025
  • Welcome and Announcements
  • You Are My King (Amazing Love)
  • Prayer of Invocation
  • Make Me A Blessing
  • Let Others See Jesus In You
  • Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:5-11
  • The Jesus Way
  • Pastor's Message - The Advent Advantage
  • The Jesus Way (Bridge and Chorus)



Philippians 2:5-11

  • 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
    6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,
    7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.
    8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
    9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,
    10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
    11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.


SERMON NOTES - The Advent Advantage

INTRODUCTION
  • The Incarnation - where the eternal God invaded our world and took on humanity, born as a baby in a manger. Jesus, perfect God and perfect man; 100% God and 100% human.
  • Is there something, anything, that can help prepare us for the onslaught of the world's version of Christmas, and preserve the biblical meaning and spirit of the birth of Jesus? One word - Advent!
  • If you are not familiar with Advent it is the season of the year that typically includes the four Sundays before Christmas. This year it begins on November 30 and ends on Christmas Eve.
  • Early Christians dedicated this period to prepare their hearts and minds for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
  • At its core, Advent is about hope and anticipation.
  • Traditionally the four Sunday of Advent are designated hope, peace, joy and love.

THE PROMISE OF A MESSIAH
  • In the Old Testament, though estimates vary, there is a general consensus that there are over 300 prophecies that point directly to the Messiah, that was fulfilled by Jesus.
  • With the birth of Jesus, the promise of the coming or advent of the Messiah was fulfilled.
  • The Bible says, "but when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law." (Galatians 4)

THERE IS A PERSPECTIVE FOR THE PRESENT
  • Advent is not just about remembering that Jesus came; it provides us with the opportunity to focus on the significance of Christ's death and resurrection and what difference that makes in our lives.
  • Advent also challenges us in our walk with Jesus: "The emphasis on spiritual preparation during Advent encourages individuals to align their thoughts and actions with the teachings of Jesus Christ. This preparation isn't merely a passive observance but rather an active engagement with one's faith, fostering a renewed commitment to living out the values and principles espoused by Christ." - Dr. David K. Ewen
  • Advent can even give us the chance to heighten our awareness of people who need to have a relationship with Jesus.
  • When we participate in Advent we look back to what God has done. We celebrate His faithfulness to His people and the fulfillment of His promises. We celebrate the truth that the Messiah has come, that God sent His Son to be Savior of the world and His gift of Salvation is offered to all who will trust Him. For those who do trust Him, Advent provides us the opportunity be witnesses for Christ sharing the good news of God's salvation.

THE PROMISE OF CHRIST'S RETURN
  • Advent is a time of reflecting on Jesus' first coming and preparing for His second coming.
  • "In a very real sense, the Christian community lives in Advent all the time. It can well be called the Time Between, because the people of God live in the time between the first coming of Christ, incognito in the stable in Bethlehem, and his second coming, in glory, to judge the living and the dead...Advent contains within itself the crucial balance of the now and the not-yet that our faith requires." - Fleming Rutledge

CONCLUSION
  • In a world marked by division, uncertainty, and suffering, the message of a God who entered into human history to bring light and salvation is a powerful source of comfort and inspiration and the anticipation of His return is powerful source of faith and hope. Advent challenges us to look beyond the chaos of the holiday season. It's a reminder that preparation for Christmas isn't just about decorations or gifts; its about preparing our hearts.
  • Advent is a season of intentional waiting.
  • Advent is a reminder of hope.
  • Advent is a call to spiritual focus.