Emmanuel means God with Us!  What a profound reality! Emmanuel doesn't mean the road in life will be smooth and easy. It means God is with us, no matter what! The reality is both profound and simple. No matter what we have done or what we haven't done, God is with us. Because Emmanuel, God is with us; we are never alone no matter your fear, your pain, or your struggle, God is with you, and in God’s presence you will find joy.

MONDAY’S SONG:
Don't skip this part of the Christmas Reflections because you don't feel like a song. I confess that this is another song that I’ve listened to numerous times throughout the year. This incredibly beautiful song by Terrian will point you to Jesus with the profound truth that God is indeed with us. This song God With Us deserves your attention today and many other days. I suggest you play this as you prepare for the day, as you eat breakfast, drive around town, and simply throughout your day. As we immerse ourselves in the reality of Emmanuel, God will use us in ways we never thought possible. Go ahead and listen to it - often! As you are reminded of the reality that God is with you, may your heart be filled with joy.

MONDAY'S PRAYER:
Lord, thank you for music and how you use it to speak to our hearts in ways the spoken word simply can't. Thank you for using music as a way to speak to our emotions about your truths. Thank you for the gift of music and how it can heal our hurts and bring us closer to you.

Thank you for being Emmanuel, God with us. Thank you for being with our church. For our church, for those who call New Life their home, thank you for their passion to be missional as we are New Life for the City and beyond.

We call on your provision again as we enter 2025. This could be another year of unpredictability as we step into unknown territories in our lives, country and world.

Thank you for being Emmanuel and bringing joy into my life. Thank you for bringing people into my life who need to experience you in their hearts, not just in their heads. Remind me to pray for my neighbors and help them to see the joy you provide to me so that they may experience you as Emmanuel

AMEN

In Luke 1:38 we read Mary’s words, “I am the Lord’s servant,”  Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”

Christmas is the season that we celebrate the incarnation (God becoming human) and it’s also the season we celebrate Emmanuel (God with us) and it all happened because we are loved by our creator God. The presence of Jesus is God’s present to us and provides a glimmer of eternity. 

As we read scripture, we read many stories where Jesus both welcomed people and where Jesus went to the people. Jesus went to the tax collector, Jesus went to the dinner party, and Jesus went to the leper; the entire reason for Christmas is to celebrate the presence of Jesus and that He came to earth, as a baby, for us - all because we are loved.

Often we have been reminded that church is not being in the physical church building. The place for disciple-making is in the everyday places (we call that being missional) of the people who need to know Jesus. God’s desire, as we see in the Christmas story, is to go where the people are, to be present in their lives. It's to leave our places of comfort and go to where the people who need Jesus live, to hang out and to be present. Who is going to show the broken, wounded, lonely, disenchanted, anger-filled people the love of Jesus if we don't go where they are, and be present in their lives?

As people who love Jesus, may God give us all that we need to go where God sends us…to the people who need Jesus, to be His light to a world that is often living in darkness, and to be present to be the light of Jesus.

TUESDAY’S SONG:
Send Me - click here for a wonderful song written by our worship team that could be used as daily prayer. It reminds us not to stay in our comfort zone but rather to be open where God sends us, to be present with the people God loves, as we serve God, joy will be a natural by-product.

TUESDAY’S PRAYER:
Lord, thank you for the reminder of the need for me to go to where your people are. Give me the courage to respond as Mary did, and even when there is a mess we are trying to trust you to bring the miracle. Help me to slow my pace down and help me to listen to the stories of those you bring into my life and to simply be present.

Help me to get over my thoughts that it’s only the pastors or church staff who you use and that it’s always been your desire for you to use my life to point people to you. Remove my insecurities about connecting with others, and help me to trust you to give me the courage to be present with others so that they may see your hope, joy, peace, and love. Open opportunities and patience for me to first listen to the stories of my family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Help me to be genuinely interested in their lives and to simply trust you to speak through me. Help me, Lord, to remember that I don’t need to have all the answers but that often people just need someone to listen to them, and in listening, they will experience a joy that only comes from you.

In our community, continue to use New Life to be a witness for you. When people think of a church that cares and makes a difference in our community and world, may they think of New Life. When people think of ‘What will I do on Christmas?’, may they think of New Life and join us on Christmas Eve.

AMEN

PS  Don’t miss out on the festive fun tomorrow night from 6:30 - 7:15 PM as we gather with friends and family for Christmas on the Patio, where we’ll sing Christmas carols, enjoy delicious hot chocolate and snacks, and hear a heartwarming reminder of how to celebrate a meaningful Christmas together.

Come share in the joy of the season with us—your presence will make it all the more special!

Looking forward to sharing this time with you!

We are reflecting on Joy. As you can imagine, there are many people who confuse happiness with joy. When that happens I feel we have swallowed the Madison Avenue pill, we have drunk the kool-aid made by consumerism, and we think that the more we have the happier we are. We believe that joy should be a natural by-product in our lives since we have lives filled with so many material positions.

Galatians 5:22-25 tells us that one of the fruits of the spirit is joy. This means that God is the source of joy, and it’s the Holy Spirit who helps us to see it, practice it, grow it and give it away. When we are “in step with the Spirit,” we can be joyful in all circumstances, not for all circumstances, if we choose to remember whose we are.

WEDNESDAY’S SONG: 
Today’s song is one of the great renditions of the classic hymn (In fact, it was sung at my wedding, but not this version). Click here to experience the joy of the Lord.

WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER:
Lord, no doubt we are thankful for our homes, cars, computers, our clothing, and all of the creature comforts in life. Help me to remember that joy starts with a heart of gratitude towards you and others.

Surround me with people who love you so when I start to play my anthem of self-pity they can cut it short (with love) and remind me of all the blessings you have given me and of the reality that my joy comes from you.

Lord, it's a hurting world, may we be agents of your good news. May my life be an encouragement to others and a joyful witness for you.

AMEN

See you tonight from 6:30 - 7:15 PM as we gather with friends and family for Christmas on the Patio, where we’ll sing Christmas carols, enjoy delicious hot chocolate and snacks, and hear a heartwarming reminder of how to celebrate a meaningful Christmas together.

Come share in the joy of the season with us—your presence will make it all the more special!

Looking forward to sharing this time with you!

13 days left until Christmas! Sometimes it's hard to believe. For some people they can't wait, for others, you'll be grateful as Christmas signifies turning the corner to the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025. For those who love Jesus, it's a season we can reflect on, as well as deepen, our faith.

Yet, why in this season - the season which is often referred to as the happiest season of the year - do we have so many sad people? So many people who are crabby about so much, who are so negative, who basically suck the breath of life out of you and other’s around you? I'm guessing many people don't look at ‘loving others’ as part of their responsibility or a part of their faith when it comes to following Jesus. Maybe some people think it's optional, or - let's face it - some people play the martyr role, and want the attention of carrying a heavy load.

Maybe some people still think all of life is on their shoulders; all of the pain, sadness, and guilt they have, is a result from something they did or didn't do, and it's just a part of life. So often we think of our sadness as part of the cross we need to carry, and that the reality of living a life of Joy is no longer an option. We honestly forget/or don’t want to:
- serve others
- live generously
- leave our worries with God
- share our pain, our fears, and our concern with the God who can handle them all.
- be authentic and transparent with the friends God has brought into my life.

We fall short of experiencing the love that Jesus gives us because we still, in some way, may fall short of believing the full reality of why Jesus was born and why he died. He loves you.

Today, use part of your prayer time to examine your heart, and your sadness, and be intentional to once again submit them to Jesus. Give Jesus all that you have - 'with Lifted Hands.'  Click here for a song that may help you regain perspective and the joy God intends for you. I am confident it will help guide you to a time of focus on Jesus and his role in your life.

THURSDAY'S PRAYER:
Lord, with lifted hands I give to you the burdens of life that I continue to carry, knowing fully that you want to and you are capable of carrying whatever is robbing joy from my heart and life. Take my tendencies to think that I need to save the world when in reality you have done that for all of us. Thank you!

Remind me to look at everything from your kingdom perspective, and keep me focused, Lord, on the mission you have before me and before your church. Remind me to think, In light of eternity, what difference does it make? Continue to help us bring your light to the dark places you call us to serve others. Remove any fear and replace it with your joy. May I experience your joy as I share a glimmer of Christmas with others.

Lord, make me a reflection of your joy this week.

AMEN

A familiar passage in the Bible pertaining to joy, especially around Christmas is, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."

I wonder if fear and joy have nothing in common or if they can coexist with each other.

We know that we can't buy a jar or bottle of joy, yet we often try.

      We can't order joy from Amazon, even Amazon Prime, although we would like to.

              Joy doesn't come in a paycheck or envelope,

                       Joy isn't dependant on a spouse or a friend,

                                 Joy isn't dependent on a GREAT career or promotion

Yet, according to Luke, joy is available to all people. So why are so many people, including believers, living lives that are not joyful or joy-filled, even living lives of fear?

Maybe while our heads embrace the news from the angels that joy is for everyone, our hearts have allowed fear to take residence. When we are so full of fear there is no room for the presence of Jesus. With the news being in front of us daily, hourly, and even by the minute, it's easy to complain, worry, be critical, and be negative. While we may want to say yes to joy, our mind is filled with so much fear. I’m wondering if ‘there's no room in the inn’ for joy? And if there isn’t, maybe it’s time to do some early spring cleaning, maybe it's time for an estate sale to make room for the joy from Jesus.

FRIDAY’S SONG:
Reminds us that we should not be afraid because Jesus is born today. Click here.

FRIDAY'S PRAYER:
Lord, I pray that you will replace my fear with your joy. This season, establish a joy that comes from you, may your joy fill my heart and kick out fear and doubt.

Help me bring my concerns, burdens, and worries to you and experience your joy. Forgive me for trying to take things back from you. Help me to remember your purpose for coming was to help carry my burdens.

Lord help me to take responsibility and find friends who are filled with your joy. Lord help me to set boundaries with the negative news I watch as well as people who always complain about most anything and everything in life.

Help our church to continue to make a difference. Continue to help us be a light in the places you call us to and to the people you call us to be with.

Remove any fear in my heart and replace it with your joy. 

AMEN

11 days until Christmas… Let’s be intentional about praying.  Let me suggest potentially trying some type of a fast for you to help you carve time to pray. For a few fasting tips, click here. Don't forget to present to the Lord the burdens on your heart, the anxieties that creep in to overtake your heart, or the fears that at times overtake you. Thank God for the blessings you are experiencing, and lift the needs of your church to the Lord, so we can be New Life for the City and beyond.

SATURDAY'S SONG:
Ok, this is confession time (and the opinion of our staff and dozens of worship leaders) is that it is very challenging to lead worship with many of the Christmas songs we hear. We want to sincerely and authentically worship Jesus, yet many Christmas songs are lacking a worship element when it comes to singing them for a worship service. I'm thankful that Aaron, our Worship Pastor, uses his gifts to move us into authentic worship of our Lord, especially during this Advent Season. 

Here is a version of Noel that has become a favorite of our Church. So as you are getting ready in the morning or driving to work, click here to listen to Noel (He Is Born).
WARNING: The key change during the song (in my opinion), may usher you right into the presence of God!

SATURDAY'S PRAYER:
Lord, I am thankful for your persistence in my life. Thank you for the people you bring into my path. Remind me that every conversation is a holy moment and an opportunity for you to speak to your people's hearts since you are with me. Keep me attentive to your leading. 

May our ministry of food distribution today help many of our friends and neighbors around New Life to have some food to eat. May conversations be used by you to bless others. Thank you to the many volunteers who help love and treat your people with respect and dignity and who make a difference in our community. 

Lord, provide wisdom and discernment to our staff as they attempt to follow your Spirit as they lead and equip your church into 2025. Lord help our staff to lead courageously as they listen, love, and lead your people.

Lord, make me a reflection of your Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love. Keep my heart in tune with you so that I can be ready to invite people to join us on Christmas Eve.

AMEN

Christmas Eve Candlelight services are at 1 & 4 PM.  Childcare for ages -2 available at 1:00.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”     John 16:33

Today at church or in your home, we light the Peace candle. Many people describe Peace by associating it with an external experience, item, or feeling. When you clear our your in-box then you will have peace. When you finish your final exams, then you will have peace. When you become an empty nester, then, of course, things will be peaceful. When you get the pay raise, and your financial situation becomes stable, then you’ll experience the peace that Jesus gives. The list goes on…

Yet, I think most people also realize that the peace Jesus brings is an inward peace that helps through the storms of life. Many of you know from personal experience how God provides peace in the midst of troubled times or rough waters. God turns messes into miracles. That miracle God shows you is a result of the peace you have within your heart because of Jesus. The situation may not have changed but in the midst of the difficulty, you changed, realizing these words that Paul wrote while he was in prison:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6 & 7

Jesus desires and promises to do miracles in the midst of the chaos… but maybe the miracle is going to be within your heart, versus removing the painful situation.  God often gives his presence of peace in the midst of the painful messes or situations you are in?

What area do you need to turn over to the Lord and have him create the miracle of peace in your heart?

SUNDAY’S SONGS:
Lauren Daigle has another song, Light Of The World that speaks to the incredible gift we have received in Jesus as the light of the world, who brings us peace.
 
SUNDAY’S PRAYER:
Lord, while some people are handling the stresses of this season well, others are deeply needing to experience your peace in a fresh new way. Thank you for making miracles out of my messes, even the ones I’ve created. Forgive me for taking your peace for granted or for thinking it was all up to me to produce.
 
Help me to stay connected to you in very real and tangible ways so that your peace is reflected in what I say and do and how I live my life to bring you glory.
 
Lord, you know we, as your church here in Southern California, need a continual renewal of your spirit to help guide us. We need to lean into the areas and situations where you have called us to be on mission, to invite people you have brought into our paths to church on Christmas Eve.
 
Help me do my part as I follow you. Prepare my heart to have you take control and lead me in ways that will make an eternal difference in someone’s life. Lord, in a very real way I want to experience your peace that passes all understanding. Lord, in a very real way, help us as your church to lead with your peace that passes all understanding.
 
Lord, may our worship this morning bring us closer to you. May it connect my heart with you Lord, so I can be used by you to my friends, family, grandchildren, and co-workers so that they may get a fresh perspective on what it means to follow Jesus.
 
Thank you for Jesus whose peace makes all things well with my soul.

AMEN

Christmas on the Patio is this Wednesday @ 6:30 -would love you to join us.
Christmas Eve Service Times are 1 & 4 PM.  We would love to have you join us with a friend.

So often we worry, we are anxious, we are consumed with many situations that we really have no control over. One way to be reminded about this ‘anxiousness’ is to look back over your emails, texts or journals to see what you are writing most about or what keeps you awake at night. To experience the peace of Christ, we often need to reframe our situation, and rather than try to control everything in our lives, we need to lean into the situation and ask, what can I learn from this?  How can this help mold my character and trust God or others a little more? There is an unexpected peace in allowing God to take control and simply enjoy the journey.

MONDAY'S SONG:
This song serves as a confession and reminds us of who is in control and reminds us of the benefit of checking our priorities, especially around this season. Click here. This song could easily be a prayer, listen to it as you prepare for Christmas, and remember our Peace is obtained by giving control to Jesus.

MONDAY’S PRAYER:
Lord, thank you for a new day and a new week.

Lord, help manage my expectations towards Christmas. Use me as an instrument of your hope, joy and peace as I interact with friends and family. When things don’t go as I planned or people behave differently than I expected, Lord, help me to remember, In light of eternity, what difference will it make? Remove my anxiety and replace it with your peace.

Thank you for New Life and our ministries. Provide leaders and volunteers where we need them. Use everything about our upcoming Christmas on the Patio and Christmas Eve Services to encourage the tired, broken, and weary people who come here or who may be watching. Use the creative elements to break through the barriers that people have put up and remind us all of your grace and love.

May I take the time to be silent before you and reflect on all you have given to me and the world.

AMEN

Christmas pulls on our heartstrings in so many ways. Maybe it’s all the Hallmark movies, the music, the decorations, and the food :)?  I lean towards the idea that there is something in us that makes us want to create the best Christmas ever or make Christmas ‘just perfect’.  Maybe the bottom line is God has created us to naturally live for and grow in Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love. Often those elements of a God filled life are the very missing elements in our life as we are striving for something, or someone, or anything to fill the voids in our life.

The tradition of Advent is to focus on those themes as we prepare for Christmas Day. For all of us, Advent really does put the puzzle together about Jesus. Maybe we are drawn to Christmas, wanting it to be ‘so good’ and ‘the best’ because, at the core of our being, we all need to experience Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love in Jesus. Undoubtedly, understanding Christmas is to understand how much we don’t need more things or decorations; rather, it’s how much we need the present of Jesus’s presence.

What’s ironic is that when we fully embrace Jesus and his place in our life, the less often we are drawn into the Madison Avenues or the Hallmark ideas about their perfect Christmas. Having Jesus in our hearts, and giving Jesus the freedom to change us, dissolves the urge to have more or be the best, rather as we embrace Jesus, we are reminded that we are uniquely created in the image of Jesus, to be his light to the world. To accept this Jesus, we feel less and less that we need to be perfect to earn the Love of Jesus, rather, we realize Jesus loves my weaknesses, all of my shortcomings, and my failures.  Jesus loves me just as I am, but Jesus isn’t finished with me yet.

As we are reminded more and more about Jesus this week, remember to allow Jesus complete access to your heart, your fears, and your dreams. No matter your situation or circumstances may those who know you see the hope, joy, peace, and love of our creator God.

TUESDAY’S SONG:
As Christmas is fast approaching, let’s be intentional about what is going on in our hearts. Aligning expectations is critical in how we celebrate Christmas. As we move towards this incredible day, let’s change our paradigm from what’s missing and from what we want to giving praise to Jesus for all he is and what he does within our hearts.  Let’s find a Reason to Praise.

TUESDAY’S PRAYER:
Lord, help me in my humanness, to find time to focus on prayer with you and your movement in the hearts of my friends and in my life. Help me to listen to the words, feelings, fears, and brokenness that are so often behind the initial comments that people make in life.

Keep me open to being a blessing to others. Keep our schedules open so that I, as part of the body of Christ, may hear the heart of my friends, neighbors, or co-workers. May I be willing to invite others to join me on Christmas Eve so they may hear that the perfect peace is found in You.

Thanks for your love and your un-selfness to leave the glory of heaven to walk around with us so that we might find our way back home to you for eternity.

Give us hearts of gratitude, 

AMEN

Don’t miss out on the festive fun tomorrow night from 6:30 - 7:15 PM as we gather with friends and family for Christmas on the Patio, (tomorrow is the last time this season) where we’ll sing Christmas carols, enjoy delicious hot chocolate and snacks, and hear a heartwarming reminder of how to celebrate a meaningful Christmas together.

Come share in the joy of the season with us—your presence will make it all the more special!

Looking forward to sharing this time with you!

When I think about peace, I’m reminded of the tension of our reality when we read “The angels proclaimed, ‘Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.’” -The Message, Luke 2:14 

These last few months have been a painful reminder that our world is not at peace. Many marriages and many relationships are not at peace. Yet, we are told Jesus offers us the gift of peace and we walk around bumping into painful life experiences that are anything but peaceful.

Something is not right… but maybe that something is us? Maybe in our desire to give gifts to one another (as God gave us the gift of Jesus), maybe in the efforts to surprise someone, to ‘make it the best Christmas ever,’ we have put Jesus and his desire to be Lord of our life at arm’s length. Have we short-changed ourselves for the gift of peace? Have we exchanged our desire to be in control for a peace that passes all understanding...Maybe!

WEDNESDAY’S SONG:
I’m convinced that for us to experience the peace the angels are proclaiming, we need to give up our control. We need to be still and allow God to work in our hearts and lives. This Advent season, maybe the gift you can give to yourself and others is to slow down and wait to allow God to speak to you in a new and fresh way. Click here and use this wonderful song as a prayer as you learn to wait on the Lord for your peace.

WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER:
Lord, as you know, tonight is Youth Group at the church. May you continue to bring our students closer to you and to one another. Thank you for Pastor Pauline, and her team, as they love and lead the students towards you. Help us as your church to work together in equipping parents to be the best they can be and to disciple their children. Thank you that the leaders have fun while taking their ministry seriously to help the students deepen their faith. Keep them all safe, Lord, and may you shine your light through them.

Lord, help me to wait patiently for you to continue to help me be a light for you. Give us wisdom in when to step in and when to lay low. Give us the courage to say no and when to proceed with new commitments. May our peace come from the reality of your love for us. AMEN

Oh, before we forget, don’t miss out on encouraging night from 6:30 - 7:15 PM as we gather with friends and family for Christmas on the Patio. We will sing Christmas carols, enjoy delicious hot chocolate and snacks, and hear a heartwarming reminder of how to celebrate a meaningful Christmas together.

Come share in the joy of the season with us—your presence will make it all the more special!  Looking forward to sharing this time with you!

There's no way, during the week when we have peace as our subject to focus on, that I can't share again this wonderful version of a timeless classic song - click here and be blessed.

Sometimes we think if we don't upset the apple-cart, things will be peaceful. Yet we know that -  sooner or later - the cart gets flipped and everyone is scrambling to put things back in the 'same spot', and in doing so they think they are keeping the peace. But are they?

At times, we are fearful to disagree with someone because somewhere in our past, a disagreement always turned into a major conflict, or it was treated as being negative, or we were belittled, or we were not part of the team. Yet, if we enter into the discussion with a humble spirit and with the attitude of 'help me to understand,’ so many potential conflicts can be resolved or avoided. It can become an experience that builds a stronger team, family, or friendship or marriage. Let's remember to treat others with respect, believing the best in one another. Remember, the challenging path you are on becomes a hike that gives you encouragement and blessing.

As a reminder, here are the subjects you can be praying for as the Lord brings them to mind:

• Health and Encouragement of staff
• Continued Generosity from those who call New Life their home with our Fall Projects and end of the year financial gifts that will help to build an exciting start for 2025.
• Wisdom as we continue to grow and lean on the Holy Spirit to guide us as a church. 
• Our In-Person & Streaming Candlelight Christmas Eve services - and that the right people will experience the peace in life, that comes from Jesus at either our 1:00 or 4:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Services.
• Pray that our teaching will connect to the hearts of the people God brings to us.
• YOU, pray that God opens windows of opportunities for you to listen to others, hear their stories and that you can share the hope of Jesus and invite them to a service.
• Pray for any situation that is causing you anxiety or keeping you awake at night.

THURSDAY'S PRAYER:
Lord, Thank you for this new day. Keep my heart tuned into the reality of your presence throughout the day. Bring to my mind those in my sphere of influence to whom I can show hospitality. 

Make me an instrument of your peace in my home and within the lives of the relationships you bring to my path. Help me to remember that your … peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus as I submit everything to you. Philippians 4:6&7

Remind me, Lord, that one of the key ingredients to peace is having an attitude of thanksgiving and a heart of gratitude, and remembering that because of your love and grace, All Is Well (another great song).

AMEN

During these days, I sense many people are unsure, restless, and anxious about more and more things in life. We are all looking for Peace. Yet, we forget that with Jesus in our hearts, that the gift of Peace, the Prince of Peace, our Emmanuel (God with Us) is a part of our daily lives. Our beliefs remind us that we are NOT alone, and the Holy Spirit is within us. The Spirit is ready to remove our anxiety and walk with us through our concerns. No doubt at times we lose hope, we lose focus, and we let the peace that Christ offers slip through our hearts because we forget that on our worst day or in our deepest fears - Emmanuel is with us 24/7. He gives us the Peace we need. Lauren Daigle (one of my favorites) has another song that powerfully addresses this subject  Click to listen.

FRIDAY'S PRAYER:
Lord, thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your Church and to be connected with others. During this season, help me to be used by you, to be your hands, your eyes, and your feet. Help me not to avoid people because I think they may be hurting or that they may be having a tough time. Use me to be an instrument of your peace to others.

Slow my pace down, give me perspective, and bring to mind people who need an extra dose of your hope, joy and peace. Lord, give me the privilege of being Jesus to others as I share your peace in an authentic way this Christmas!

AMEN

In our search for living a life of significance and meaning, it's easy to think, “If I can just land that next job, next house, next car, the right person to marry, the perfect baby, larger bonus, etc…” then my life will be full and wonderful and finally I’ll be ‘at peace’. Yet, I wonder:

• I wonder if we live with the hopes (and often stress) of obtaining more and more and more?
• Or I wonder if we live with the fear of losing it all?
• Or I wonder if we live with an unforgiving spirit toward ourselves for the choices and decisions we have made in the past?

And it's in our wondering that we drive down the path that everything and even ourselves need to be perfect, and we start feeling guilty, worthless, and flawed. Soon, we lose the reality that we are loved by Jesus no matter what we drive, where we live, what our education is, etc…

It's a morning full of wonders, yet we forget the reality that Paul writes about in Romans 8:38 & 39: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

I wonder if our search to be the best, the perfect, the biggest, is so intense that it forces God’s love and hope right out of our lives.  I wonder?

SATURDAY’S SONG:
Today’s song was produced by our worship team and is a reminder that God is on our side, loving us and seeing us through. During this season, remember the God of creation loves you each and every step of the way.  Click here for See Me Through.

SATURDAY'S PRAYER:
Lord, thank you for your love for me. Thank you that you are not expecting me to be the best, look the best, or act the best, rather help me to remember that nothing in all of creation will separate me from you. Lord help me rest in the peace that nothing I have done, or something I have not done, will be able to separate me from your love.    

Lord, despite your unconditional love, I pray you will help me not to embrace a 'cheap grace' where I purposefully ignore you and the call you have placed on my life to be a follower of you. 

Remind me that there is a cost to follow you. Slow my pace down so I can be sensitive to the people you place in my life and be a blessing to them. Lord, during this season, help me to remember to listen to the nudging you put in my spirit to be focused on others. 

As our Food Distribution team gathers this morning to share groceries with our neighbors, may the recipients also sense your gracious love and spirit. May the food fill their stomach, the volunteers reflect your love and grace.

Thanks for New Life and the opportunity to serve you there. Give me a space in my heart for those who have yet to experience your love in their lives this Christmas!  

AMEN

Remember our Candlelight Christmas Eve services either at 1 am or 4 pm.

Merry Christmas…

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”   John 3:16

Today’s candle represents Love. In this season of preparing our hearts to celebrate God with us. Today’s verse reminds us of the love we and the entire world can receive from God.

Christmas: 

• the day that brings fresh, personal meaning to the incarnation of our creator God. 
• A day that reminds us that we are all called to be on mission to let our light shine amid fears and questions. 
• A day when many people try to focus on the gift of Jesus and what they have versus what’s difference this year.

May this song, A Christmas Alleluia speak profoundly to you heart of the reality that Christ has come for the world and you today.  

SUNDAY’S PRAYER
Lord, the world needs you, my family and friends need you, I need you.  Take my heart and may the glimmer of Christmas be with me for eternity.  May your spirit overwhelm me with your presence. May the life I live be so different, because of the glimmer of eternity that I’ve found in your.  

AMEN!

Your acts of kindness and hospitality will speak powerfully to the heart of the person you invited to Christmas Eve or to join you for a meal. Remember for God so loved the world, not just your nuclear family.  While it may ‘feel awkward’ you will be the Glimmer of Christmas that someone desperately and deeply needs. You still have time to make the ask!  Pick up the phone… just do it!

Again, while there is a glimmer of Christmas in the air, many people continue to need a reminder of the touch of the master’s hand to experience the authentic Joy that is only found in Jesus.  Click here to listen to the Lord and who He is nudging to invite out to lunch, over for dessert, or to our Christmas Eve service tomorrow so that they might experience Jog in the morning.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service (it really is beautiful) either at 1 or 4 pm.  
If you can’t be here, then join us online.

Today is a day that many people anticipate for days, weeks, and months (if not the entire year). In a way, this season just might be ‘the happiest time of the year,’ not because of the things we have, but because of how Jesus expresses his Hope, Joy, Peace and Love.

Today we are reminded of the deepest meaning of life is really found in Jesus. Jesus gives us purpose and meaning. Today, be intentional in finding a few moments to reflect on the Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love that only Jesus can bring. 

Lets be intentional in our prayers and actions to strive to experience the most meaningful Chrismtas ever.  In the hopes of our faith not being hijacked by things and wants, I’m reminded it all comes down to my heart and my mindset. It’s me, and it’s you, who needs to make room for Jesus on this Holy Night.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13

As you know, the more we focus on Jesus as the glimmer of Christmas,  the more we can manage our expectations about this holiday and experience a deep and meaningful year in 2025.

Let's remember Jesus is Joy to the World and the one who brings peace, a peace that passes all understanding to our hearts.

See you and a friend, today for our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service (it really is beautiful) either at 1 or 4 pm.  If you can’t be here, then join us online Live.nl-cc.org.

So many songs… so many thoughts… it can be summed us from this reading from Luke’s gospel.  Click here for that classic part of A Charlie Brown Christmas which describes the true meaning of Christmas.

Here is a prayer - a blessing that I pray over you as you spend time with family and friends. Be a blessing to someone today…The Blessing.

Closing thoughts…
I hope you have found these Christmas Reflections helpful as you prepare your heart for Christmas. Your feedback will help us prepare for next year…Click here to share your thoughts and suggestions.
What have you found most helpful from this devotional? What would help you in your journey?  Any favorite songs shared?

You can find more information about New Life on our website at nl-cc.org.

The more I slow down and listen to others, the more I am reminded that people across our country are broken and grieving. Many lives are being shattered or are falling apart, and there is dysfunction in relationships from one coast to the other. There continues to be a wave of fear about illnesses, there are unstable marriages, children and grandchildren making painful decisions daily, there remains uncertainty in our economy, and the reality of war is upon too many countries. For a variety of reasons, there continues to be an air of distrust and confusion towards many of our government agencies, medical professionals, those in authority and even Your Church.

And yet we are supposed to celebrate Christmas! How are we to do that? Well, one way is to be intentional with our time and what information we allow to pass into our minds and hearts.

It is encouraging to see that you are being intentional as you take the time to journey through these Christmas Reflections, which is also a journey into what is known as Advent. You are being intentional as you commit to talking with Jesus daily (that’s called prayer) and letting Jesus speak to your heart.

You are practicing those Holy Habits (spiritual disciplines), guarding your heart, and praying as you read and listen to Christmas Reflections.

WEDNESDAY’S SONG:
As a church, we have undoubtedly experienced God's movement in some incredible ways, both corporately and individually. What gives us HOPE is hearing and experiencing God’s faithfulness in the midst of fear and uncertainty because we also live in the reality that we are still in God’s hands. Listen and be reminded of how God will Do it Again.

WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER:
May your prayer be:
that Jesus makes your heart right with HIM,
that you find time to 'sit with God’ and to allow God to speak to you,
that Jesus reminds YOU of his presence and his power to overcome darkness.  
that Jesus will remove your fears and
that you use your gifts to let your light shine for Jesus.
May you be reminded of the power of the resurrection, and that Jesus blows through the gates of Hell for the hearts of the people, His promises still stand, and He Will Do it Again.

Earlier, I invited you to commit to praying through the Christmas season (Advent). We desire that these Christmas Reflections will encourage you in your time of prayer. The bottom line is we need to be intentional about praying. Otherwise, most often prayers just fall off our radar, and the idea of praying more becomes just one of many short lived New Year’s resolutions.

Here are a few suggestions to help you remember to pray, stay focused, and prepare your own heart for prayer:

1)    Get up 15 minutes earlier. Use this time to pray for you and others.

2)    Create an intentional prayer space. Maybe it’s a room, table, couch, garage, maybe it’s while you walk, drive…just set out to be intentional. 

3)    Listen to a song or music. Select some of your favorite tunes that bring you perspective and reflect your faith (which probably won’t be anything about a hippopotamus). This is a season where we all need to Make Room for a personal encounter with our living Lord.

4)    Journal. This is a great time to begin to journal your prayers. Begin with writing your prayers and what you are thankful for. Journal what is going on in your thoughts and heart.  Yes, you the F word… write about your Feelings and what is stirring within. 

5)    Light a candle. Lighting a candle(s) just fits naturally with Advent. I know some people are opposed to lighting them in their homes, if that is the case, try a flameless candle - they are wonderful! If that doesn’t work, you can click here for a virtual candle.

Lighting a candle each morning is a way to acknowledge and remember that the Lord is with you in your home and as you go about your day. Maybe make this your screen saver at work? Use it as a symbol that Jesus is with you each moment, with each person, and in the middle of the mess of life, Jesus is with you, making a miracle…

6)    Our Prayer Room is normally open from 8 am- 8 pm (except Thursdays it is used for other purposes).  Use code 6522 to enter. Click here if you want a video tour of our Prayer Room.

THURSDAY’S PRAYER:
Lord, help me to use the gifts, passions, and strengths that you have blessed me with. Help me to organize my time and schedule this season to reflect you in my life and your love for the lost and the hope you give us in Jesus.

Help me to stay close to you. Open up opportunities for me to be your hands and feet; and if you must use my voice, may it be also reflective of your hope for others. Give me your power to exhibit both tough love and grace in the numerous situations that I find myself in.

Thank you that over the years and despite obstacles and challenges, you have spoken through your church, New Life, in marvelous and significant ways to make a difference locally and globally. Continue to use us to be New Life for the City and Beyond. May we truly experience and share the hope that comes from you.

Amen!

I trust this month will provide you with the space you need to pray for your friends, family, and church. I know I speak for the staff on how appreciative we are that you are praying for New Life's ministry. God is doing something in and through all of us, and together, we look forward to 2025. Your prayers help us all to experience Hope - Hope that comes from Jesus.

FRIDAY’S SONG:
Today's song reminds us that God didn't create the world and let us go on our own. Rather, something happened not just in a stable but in our world when Jesus was born. God took the form of a man to walk among us to help us get our stuff together so we could partner with God to let our light shine and to be united with God for eternity. This song reminds us that as God moved in the past, God is still at work and moving in our hearts now, and that gives us hope.

We are grateful that God has given us the passions and gifts as we work with God, and God uses us all to make an eternal difference in the hearts of many people. Click here and be reminded that God is on the move in your heart and in the heart of your family and friends.

FRIDAY’S PRAYER:
Lord, As we step closer to Christmas, help us all to intentionally slow our pace down so we can experience an unexpected presence of your spirit in our lives and in the life of our church. May we be in tune with your heart to feel the nudges from you and to invite those who are looking for Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love for Christmas to New Life. May we also invite others to join us as we search for and celebrate you. May this classic prayer from St Francis of Assisi, be a lifelong prayer for us all:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring love.
Where there is offense, let me bring pardon.
Where there is discord, let me bring union.
Where there is an error, let me bring the truth.
Where there is doubt, let me bring faith.
Where there is despair, let me bring hope.
Where there is darkness, let me bring your light.
Where there is sadness, let me bring joy.

O Master, let me not seek as much to be consoled
as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love,
for it is in giving that one receives,
it is in self-forgetting that one finds,
it is in pardoning that one is pardoned,
It is in dying that one is raised to eternal life.  AMEN

Just a reminder that Christmas Extravaganza is at 6:00 tonight…

There are so many legitimate concerns pulling at our hearts and for our attention that we often forget to pray for ourselves (OK, maybe that’s more of my confession). Often, we forget to let God work through us. The world tells us we need everything, and we battle buying into the feeling of wanting more and more. Today, may we be reminded that Jesus is our everything, and in Jesus we find everything - including Hope.

SATURDAY'S SONG:
Songwriter Lauren Daigle has some incredible songs. Songs that help us identify real feelings while pointing us back to the hope we have in Jesus. As we journey through this season, which is often filled with so many wants, Lauren points us back to Jesus, who gives us Everything. Here are the words to the song:

Even the sparrow has a place to lay its head
So why would I let worries steal my breath?
Even the roses, You have glowed them brilliant red
Still, I'm the one You love more than this
You give me everything
You give me everything
You give me everything I need

Even the oceans push and pull at Your command
So You can still my heart with Your hand
You tell the seasons when it's time for them to turn
So I will trust You even when it hurts
You give me everything
You give me everything
You give me everything I need
You give me everything
You give me everything
You give me everything I need
When I can't see, You lead me
When I can't hear, You show me
When I can't stand, You carry me
When I'm lost, You will find me
When I'm weak, You are mighty
You are everything I need

SATURDAY'S PRAYER:
Lord, thank you for the weekend. Remind me that this is the day that you have made, help me to rejoice and be glad in it. During this season when Madison Avenue is telling me what I need, thank you for reminding me that you are my everything. 

Forgive me for thinking I want it all, that I want everything, and that I want it now! Remind me that you are my everything! Lord, may we all say yes to your call on our lives. Give us clarity and the opportunity to be used by you. 

For those helping with Food Distribution yesterday and today, thank You! For the leaders of that ministry who love over 2,000 of our neighbors and friends each month, with patience, dignity and food. Thank You!

Keep me hopeful, Lord. Give me your perspective when it comes to the messes in life and help me to see You in the midst of the mess. Use us all to point people to you.

Thanks for being my everything,

AMEN

.

10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  Luke 2:10-11

Today, we light the candle of Joy on our Advent Wreath. The familiar Christmas Carol, rings in our minds and hearts, “Joy to the World, the Lord has come”.  

Yet, so many people live a life opposite of Joy. For numerous reasons we have chosen to live lives of fear versus that of Joy. It really is an intentional decision, a decision that we have to think through and evaluate, for as soon as we choose joy, Satan fills our hearts with fear which in reality forces joy out of our lives.

Around our neighborhood, city, state and world joy is appears absent as it’s been replaced by fear and brokenness because life is often consisting of pain and fear, yet the angels said, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.”

33 years later, the angel said, in Matthew 28: 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.

Maybe it's the reality that Satan is stealing our joy, by having fear take up residence in our hearts?  

Maybe Satan is always pointing to the sins, failures, and brokenness that is apart of life, and having us focus on what we feel hasn’t gone as expected, verses us remembering that life is indeed full of broken promises and pain, disappointments and failures. Yet Jesus takes our shattered lives and gives us purpose and gives us hope and restores our joy. Maybe it’s time we give Satan an eviction notice and allow Jesus to regain the joy in our lives.

Today’s song is the inspiration of the cross in our prayer room. It’s a reminder that we are all broken and it's because Jesus came to earth, was crucified, died, and rose again that we have purpose, meaning and joy can be a part of our lives.  

Click here and allow the words of this song to remind you of what Jesus has done for you, and may what Jesus accomplished bring joy to your life as it casts out fear.

To take a look at our Prayer Room, click here.

"Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken."  Psalm 62:5-6

Hi friend,

May your time in Christmas Reflections draw you closer to God, your family, and your friends. As explained earlier this is also the Advent season, where candles are used to help symbolize each week as we become intentional in preparing our hearts to experience a Glimmer of Christmas.

Advent's candle this week is HOPE. Hope is a critical part of our beliefs and influences our emotions, attitudes, and approaches in almost all of life’s circumstances. Most everyone has an opinion about ‘hope’:
- “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
- “All kids need is a little help, a little hope, and somebody who believes in them.” – Magic Johnson
- “To live without hope is to cease to live.” – Fyodor Dostoyevsky
from the Hunger Games, we have one of my favorite clips about hope. Click Here.

It is critical that we put our hope in the right place, and during this Advent season, we are reminded that our hope is in Jesus. Our hope isn't in the items we own, our friends, our families, the politicians, our jobs, our home, or our investments.

The Psalmist reminds us where to put our hope...
"I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word, I put my hope." Psalm 130:5
"The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love." Psalm 147:11

Paul in the New Testament reminds us: "And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Romans 5:5

SUNDAY'S SONG:
Today’s song is a remix of a classic Christmas song. It's called, ‘O Come, All You Unfaithful.’ At first, I thought it was a slam on the church, yet I confess I have listened to this song dozens of times throughout the year. It's a wonderful reminder that Christ indeed came for all the unfaithful, which means you and me. Jesus came for the weary, the bitter, the tired, the self-sufficient, which means you and me. It profoundly reminds us of the hope in Jesus while pointing us to the world that Jesus came to save.

Click here and listen, and I truly hope you will be encouraged and reminded that Christ was born for you, your neighbor, your family, and your friends. I trust you will be intentionally listening to and allowing God to speak to you and through you as Christ brings Hope to your heart.

SUNDAY'S PRAYER:
Lord, as I think about hope, forgive me for putting my hope in the wrong places.
Keep my heart focused on you as my hope and on you as the world's hope.

Lord, thank you for how you remind me of your hope. Help me keep perspective on the world you have placed me in. Lord, help me to remember your hope is not just for me but for everyone. Lord, help me to be a channel of your hope to the world. Allow the hope that I have in You, Lord, impact the fears lurking around in my heart and mind.

Amen
 
In this season of preparation, as you read through these Christmas Reflections, this is my prayer for you:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Hi friend,

According to Strong’s Concordance, ‘hope’ is a Greek word that means expectation, trust, and confidence. The root form of the word means to anticipate with pleasure and to welcome. This week we are thinking about Hope.  

During this season, Christians will also wait with eagerness for the second coming of Jesus. We do have trust and confidence in our Savior. The early church were eyewitnesses to miracles of healing and restoration. Believers in the church hold with hope and expectation that Jesus rose from the dead and is returning to unite us with God, our Creator, for all eternity.

MONDAY’S SONG
As we begin to prepare our hearts for Christmas, let's be sure our hearts and minds are aligned with a heavenly perspective as we are reminded that God is Worthy of it All.

MONDAY’S PRAYER:
Lord, during this season of acquiring more and more, may our spirits be content with what You provide for us. For our home, vehicles, clothing, food, authentic relationships, spouses, children, and grandchildren, I thank you!

Again, Lord, I pray that you will help me to remember that everyone has a story. And most stories have a chapter or two filled with confusion, hurt, and pain. Many people are wary, and they don't even know it. Help us, as your church, to pause before we react, and pray so we may respond as you would have us to.

As we move closer to Christmas, help us to intentionally slow our pace down so we may hear the nudges from you in our hearts. Help us to remember that you have taught us to love one another. Help us to embrace your behavior and heart for others and especially those who don’t know you.

Thank you for New Life and the many years you have used us as your church to bring the hope of Jesus to a hurting world. Continue to do so for many more years.

In your name, that brings us hope,

AMEN


We have intentional planned several opportunities for you to attend and invite your friends to:
Journey to Bethlehem   12/6   6 - 8:00 PM*
Christmas on the Patio  12/11  6:30 - 7:45 PM
Christmas on the Patio 12/18  6:30 - 7:45 PM
Christmas Eve Candlelight 12/24. 1 & 4 PM

*Join us Friday, December 6th and experience the story of Christmas and the excitement of our Savior’s birth. The performance will be in the Worship Center and will begin at 7:30pm sharp! Marketplace activities will be available at 6p prior to the performance and resume after until 9p.

Cost: $5 per person which includes Marketplace activities and a petting zoo. Food will be available for purchase at an additional cost. Click here for more information.

In the context of the United States, our Thanksgiving holiday was less than a week ago. We know that having a thankful heart occurs if gratitude is more than a season, a day, or an endless buffet of wonderful food and hanging with family and friends. Thanksgiving is a mindset that is born in our hearts. Having a thankful heart of gratitude is a spiritual Holy Habit (discipline).

There are numerous benefits associated with cultivating a heart of gratitude. Here are just a few:

• Gratitude opens the door to more relationships
• Gratitude improves physical health
• Gratitude improves psychological health
• Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression
• Grateful people sleep better
• Gratitude improves self-esteem
• Gratitude increases mental strength

One key Holy Habit that helps to prepare your heart for both Christmas and beyond is to develop a sincere heart of gratitude. You don’t have to be grateful for what specifically has happened to you; rather, it’s important to be grateful for the reality that Jesus is with you in the midst of all your circumstances, pain, confusion, fear, concern, or hurt. It’s in our gratefulness we find hope through Jesus. It’s takes intentionality and often it is not easy…oh but it’s worth it!

TUESDAY’S SONG:
In a culture where it is easy to focus on disappointments, and ‘things’ that we don’t have, this song Gratitude will help create a heart of gratitude in you. Personally, just hearing the beginning notes of the song helps take my heart to a good place…

TUESDAY’S PRAYER:
Lord, amid a season filled with ‘wants’ and ‘needs,’ help me to remember that experiencing hope is built on a heart of gratitude. 

Lord, help me to take time to click through posts, flip through calendars, look at photos, and search my heart as to the people in my life, at work, and in my sphere of influence who may need your hope and provisions this season. May this journey of remembering to have a heart of gratitude help me create time for you, so you can help me create time and space in my heart for others. May I be an instrument that shares your hope with those in my life.

Lord, help me to look at the interruptions in my day and disruptions in my plans as holy moments. Help me to remember that every moment is a holy moment orchestrated by you so that I can be your vessel, so my family, friends, and colleagues can catch a glimmer of the HOPE that only you can give.
Lord, help us as your church to continue to be your church - focused on partnering with you to make a difference in the people's lives that you created and that you love. Give us a heart of gratitude. AMEN