Christmas is a time to celebrate, and believe it or not, our celebration doesn’t have much to do with the presents we give and receive. The announcement of the angels to the shepherds on that first frigid Christmas night says it all, “I bring you good news of great joy which is for all people. A Savior has been born. He is Christ the Lord.” The implications of those short, simple statements shake the foundations of every aspect of human life. Take a look at just a few ways life has changed for us as a result of Christmas.
• We can personally know God.
• Evil will not overcome good.
• Human life has eternal significance.
• Heaven is a reality.
• God is committed to offering heaven to everyone.
The sales might have been excellent this Black Friday, but nothing, absolutely nothing in the stores even comes close to what the message of Christmas offers us. No matter what situation you may find yourself in, what happened at Christmas can and will get you through. And that is reason enough to celebrate your whole life!
Saturday evening worship: 6:00 pm
Sunday morning worship: 10:00 am
Friday, November 25, 2016
Saturday, November 19, 2016
“If There’s a Reason…”
Human beings are capable of extraordinary accomplishments which demand seemingly superhuman sacrifices. For some it is just wanting to know what is beyond the horizon. For others it has been the lure of power and fame. But whatever it may be that drives a person on in the midst of obstacles, there has to be a reason. If there’s a reason for sacrificing, people will withstand tremendous difficulties.
And yet, so often as we look back on history, what people sacrificed for turned out to be what many consider today as evil. How many soldiers fought in wars believing they were serving their country, giving their lives for what they believed to be right and just. Years later however, these same people were judged to be evil oppressors. Others have sacrificed everything to achieve their financial fortune, only to find that the money they thought was worth everything only brought even more troubles. Yes, it is worth it to suffer, but the reason for suffering has to be legitimately worthwhile.
Peter’s entire first letter to a group of churches in modern day Turkey is about suffering. He tells these believers to get used to it, that suffering is part of being a disciple of Christ. But he points to the cross and empty tomb of Christ and says, “But it is worth it. You won’t be disappointed, no matter what you go through.” Many today don’t think there is anything worth suffering for. The only thing they dedicate themselves to is avoiding anything which brings pain. But is that all life is about – avoid pain and then die? Something inside us shouts we are on this earth for more. That voice was put in us by the God who made us and saved us. He is worth sacrificing everything for. He gave it all for us on the cross. His empty tomb assures us we will not be disappointed when we give him back our all.
Saturday evening worship: 6:00 pm
Sunday morning worship: 10:00 am
And yet, so often as we look back on history, what people sacrificed for turned out to be what many consider today as evil. How many soldiers fought in wars believing they were serving their country, giving their lives for what they believed to be right and just. Years later however, these same people were judged to be evil oppressors. Others have sacrificed everything to achieve their financial fortune, only to find that the money they thought was worth everything only brought even more troubles. Yes, it is worth it to suffer, but the reason for suffering has to be legitimately worthwhile.
Peter’s entire first letter to a group of churches in modern day Turkey is about suffering. He tells these believers to get used to it, that suffering is part of being a disciple of Christ. But he points to the cross and empty tomb of Christ and says, “But it is worth it. You won’t be disappointed, no matter what you go through.” Many today don’t think there is anything worth suffering for. The only thing they dedicate themselves to is avoiding anything which brings pain. But is that all life is about – avoid pain and then die? Something inside us shouts we are on this earth for more. That voice was put in us by the God who made us and saved us. He is worth sacrificing everything for. He gave it all for us on the cross. His empty tomb assures us we will not be disappointed when we give him back our all.
Saturday evening worship: 6:00 pm
Sunday morning worship: 10:00 am
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Hawaii Lutheran Church (WELS)
- Community Lutheran Church
- Honolulu, HI
- Community Lutheran Church holds protestant chapel services in Honolulu, Hawaii near Pearl Harbor, HI. We are next to the USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor Naval Base, Hickam Air Force Base, and Fort Shafter Hawaii. Look for us directly behind the Salt Lake, Hawaii, Target.