As we approach the Christmas season, we’re taking a look at Advent. The first candle on the Advent wreath is traditionally known as the Hope Candle or the Prophecy Candle. To understand the need for hope, we have to remember a time in our life when we’ve been hopeless. During the time of Isaiah the prophet, the nation of Israel felt hopeless as foreign nations threatened them. Listen in as Neal teaches about the role of the prophet and how the arrival of Christ brings hope to a hurting world. 

Today we are in the third week of our Christmas series. We’ve titled this series Advent and are looking at the five words associated with Advent. Our community experienced major turmoil with the Thomas Fire so it’s no coincidence that we are studying the word “joy.” The message of joy was given to a group of outcast, despised men who were the first people to visit Jesus in the manger. Listen in as Neal teaches from Luke 2:8-20 about letting the joy of Christ fill your heart this Christmas season.

Christmas Eve is a time when we celebrate the birth of Christ. As we read the story of Christ’s birth, we see that Joseph had a secret plan to divorce Mary. Thankfully, God intervened in a dream and encouraged Joseph to live a fearless life. Because Joseph was a man of character, he obeyed the message the angel delivered. Listen in as Neal teaches about God’s revealed plan for us to live a fearless life in Jesus. 

The angel Gabriel broke into earth to deliver a divine message to a young woman in Nazareth named Mary who had been chosen by God for a special task. Mary’s response to his message was one of submission. As we look at the fourth advent candle, it’s a time to talk about love coming to earth in an amazing way. Listen in as Neal teaches on Luke 1:26-38 and reminds us that love is the defining mark of a Christ follower.