December 24, 2016 - Church at Worship

Sermon: “You’re From Where?!” ('Tis Not Yet the Season Part 4 of 4) by Randy Roberts

Pastoral Welcome: Doug Mace

Child Dedications: Jack Oliver Lloyd Kim, Audrey Lydia Chu and Riley Ruth Rawson

Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-6, TNIV read by Alejandro Corona

Sermon Notes: I sat early this morning in our living room, thinking and praying . . . and just looking at the beautiful Christmas tree that my wife, Anita, has decorated in our living room. It sparkles with lights and glistens with many beautiful ornaments. As I sat there, thinking of Christmas present and Christmases past, I was overwhelmed with gratitude—gratitude for the blessings of family and freedom and faith. In this living room, we have celebrated Christmas over many years. We have watched our children grow up. We now eagerly anticipate Christmas as a time when they will come home. But as I pondered such things, I was also keenly aware of the fact that Christmas is about Jesus! It is Jesus who gives the deepest and richest meaning not only to this season, but to our very lives. As if to underline that reality, I re-read (this morning) the words of Charlotte Carpenter: Christmas is the gift from heaven Of God’s Son given for free; If Christmas isn’t found in your heart, You won’t find it under the tree. My prayer, then, turned toward asking that the presence of Jesus might permeate our home . . .and our family . . . and our church. May Jesus be uppermost in all our hearts and lives is my prayer. Merry Christmas! Randy Roberts Senior Pastor