Grace: Amazing Grace (Randy and Chris)

We conclude our series on Grace by reflecting on the true meaning of grace and thinking about it through John Newton’s famous hymn, Amazing Grace.  Though not a traditional Christmas hymn, it does invite us to think deeply about the true meaning of Christmas.

Listen to Grace--Amazing Grace

Handout 1 - Understanding Grace

Handout 2 - Amazing Grace Lyrics

Grace: Grace, Peace, and Christmas (Chris)

Something sacred and wonderful happened at the birth of Jesus Christ.  So much so that echoes of the blessings delivered by God in that moment echo today even in our very secular and selfish society.
 
Advent is a time of reflection and preparation.  This Advent season seems especially marred by division, discord, and distress.  What is the Gospel message for us in our day and time?
 
Our lesson this week puts the current world into context based on God's revealed plan for Creation.  We will celebrate the birth of our Savior and consider how his life and teaching equip us to be blessed by God's grace and to enjoy God's peace at Christmas and always.

Listen to Grace, Peace, and Christmas

Grace: The Grace of Christmas Peace (Randy)

Luke’s famous passage on the birth of Christ promises “peace on earth and good will toward men.” But where is this peace? The world is still on fire, and there are plenty of divisions within our society. Even inner peace is hard to come by. Yet God’s promises are true, so the angels must have been talking about something else when they promised peace on earth. In this lesson—The Grace of Christmas Peace—we explore why Jesus was born and how that makes all the difference in our lives.

Listen to the Grace of Christmas Peace