REJOICE WITH DOWNTOWN HOPE. THEY WILL GATHER ON CHRISTMAS EVE TO WORSHIP IN THEIR OWN BUILDING FOR THE FIRST TIME.
“…I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10
In the face of personal brokenness, sin, hardship, and even terror around us, we can still experience real joy. The angel of the Lord’s appearance initially incited fear in the shepherds that first Christmas night. However, the announcement brought the promise of great joy.
No need to fake joy at this time of year. No need to try to control everything so life appears ideal during the holidays. Even if circumstances are hard and uncertain, your joy can still be genuine and deep. How?
Remember the good news brought to you in Jesus! He is the eternal Word who became flesh and lived a perfect life. His substitutionary death on the cross demonstrates that God loves you. He was raised on the third day and ascended to the right hand of God where he reigns. He’s the servant King who has included you to join him in serving people with good works, good relationships, and his good news. Jesus will return in power and glory to banish evil and complete the restoration of all things in the new heaven and earth. If you believe in him now, you will dwell with him forever with great joy. No more sorrow, pain, sin or death. Rejoice now because of this sure hope. Don’t wait for all the right circumstances. By grace through faith you are his fully accepted and beloved child, and he wants you to experience a truly glad heart no matter what you face. God’s empowering presence is with you and makes this possible by the work of the Holy Spirit. Stop, listen, and let the Spirit comfort your heart from the Scripture with the good news of grace to you in Jesus. No matter what you face in this season, this good news can fuel great joy! [Jn. 1:1-18; Acts 2:29-36; 3:19-21; 1 Cor. 15:1-4; 20-26; Rev. 21:1-4]
Thank you for partnering with us to spread the good news that ignites great joy in our neighborhoods, subcultures, and cities. Merry Christmas!
Joyfully,
Mark McGeever
Executive Director | Equipper
SENT Network
www.sentnetwork.org