Flickers of Hope
Not everything you want shows up wrapped in shiny paper with ribbons and bows does it? Real life rarely seems to work like that. Things usually happen unexpectedly… Stuff gets messy… unpredictable… and sometimes fantastic!
Beginning THIS SUNDAY, we’ll be taking a look at some of the icons of the Christmas story that fit those criteria. These icons are things we still see and value today, but perhaps for different reasons and in different ways than originally intended.
Join us as we look at these seemingly regular items that give us glimpses into another reality. A reality of harmony with GOD.
+ PODCASTS
If you’ve ever heard the Christmas Story, then you probably know that the “star” led the “wise men” to Bethlehem. But, did you know what astronomers believe that star to have been? Do you know the significance for the star? It’s a concept that often gets missed, but the star appeared to bring others (the non religious Jews) into the plot of the Christmas story. Take a listen as teaching team volunteer Julie Buchtenkirch explains the significance to this cosmic event.
[audio:http://www.wearecrosspoint.com/listen/teaching/249XPT_112711.mp3|titles=WEEK 249 // 112711 // THE STAR | artists=Julie Buchtenkirch, Teaching Team]“…and there were shepherds in the field tending their flocks…” Again, we’ve all heard it. But what happened in that field on that night was not something normal. Angels (big burly, warrior type angels) appeared to the shepherds (the lowest of the low, non-land owning, working third shift, was not uncommon for them to steal the flocks they watched, hired hands) inviting the worst of the worst into the excitement of the Christ’s birth. This week Lead Pastor Curt Walters explains why these “rough” men were afraid and the hope that comes when all are forgiven.
[audio:http://www.wearecrosspoint.com/listen/teaching/250XPT_120411.mp3|titles=WEEK 250 // 120411 // THE FIELD | artists=Curt Walters, Lead Pastor]There’s a pretty good chance that the inn keeper that we know of in the original Christmas story is a made up person to depict the fact that “there was no room in the inn” as the Bible says. But, that’s not the point. The point is that no matter where Mary and Joseph stayed, someone… an innkeeper, a family member or friend, or just a kindly person from Bethlehem made room for the birth of the king. This week, Curt Walters asks if we’re making room for the king this holiday season.
[audio:http://www.wearecrosspoint.com/listen/teaching/251XPT_121111.mp3|titles=WEEK 251 // 12111 // THE INN | artists=Curt Walters, Lead Pastor]The magi came from the east because of an interruption. The shepherds went out and told everyone what they had seen because of an interruption. They all gave gifts to the this new born king in worship because they recognized the significance of the interruptions they received. GOD intended holidays to be just that… interruptions in the regular pace of life to experience moments of rest. It’s an act of worship and when we recognize the interruption and give thanks to GOD for it, we’re worshiping him just as the magi did with their gifts.
[audio:http://www.wearecrosspoint.com/listen/teaching/252XPT_121811.mp3|titles=WEEK 252 // 121811 // THE GIFTS | artists=Curt Walters, Lead Pastor]WK 253// 122411 // CHRISTMAS EVE
The story of hope. It’s not one for a particular moment in time… the here and now. It’s for all of life, for all of eternity, for everyone. We see that Jesus came for all through the different parts of the Christmas story and 2,000+ years later it’s just as true as it was in year 0.
[audio:http://www.wearecrosspoint.com/listen/teaching/253XPT_122411.mp3|titles=WEEK 253 // 122411 // CHRISTMAS EVE | artists=Curt Walters, Lead Pastor]
