Advent | Green Acres Baptist Church

Church Family,

Our dedicated staff has put together this special resource with YOU in mind. Our heartfelt desire is that amidst the holiday rush, we can take a moment to pause and deeply contemplate the incredible work the Lord has accomplished on our behalf. In the grand tapestry of the Bible, every story intricately weaves a thread that leads us to Jesus. From Genesis to Revelation, you can trace the scarlet-colored thread of the gospel connecting them all. This Christmas season, we invite you to journey through these stories with us, reflecting on how they eagerly anticipated the arrival of our King.

We hope this Advent Companion Guide becomes a personal guide for you as we reflect on the coming of the King this Christmas. Hallelujah, for the King has indeed come!

Merry Christmas,
Michael and Katie Gossett

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Week 1

Will Renfroe, Interim Worship Minister

Psalm 107:8–9

The Christmas season often arrives with a deep and persistent thirst. We quickly notice a longing for something more than what our busy activities can provide. We seek to quench this thirst with the festivities of tradition, connection, and celebration. And while these are good and beautiful gifts, they often leave us with the familiar ache of our emptiness all the more. Psalm 107 pulls back the curtain on this universal human experience, revealing a profound truth: our thirst is by divine design. The Psalmist declares that it is God who “has satisfied the thirsty and filled the hungry with good things.” The ache we have in our souls is our heavenly homing signal, a holy appetite, instilled with in us by God Himself, calling us to our only true Source of satisfaction.

During this first week of Advent, we’re reminded that “Immanuel Satisfies,” and we are graced with an opportunity to re-examine where we seek our fulfillment. Charles Spurgeon once beautifully observed, “The Lord sets us longing and then completely satisfies us.” Our deepest cravings for meaning, presence, and love are not accidental, but a God-initiated rhythm. God Himself, our Creator, set our hearts longing so that we might seek our satisfaction in Him, our Redeemer. He is the initiator of our worship, and that worship begins with the holy hunger He places within us. The very name Immanuel, “God with us,” is the ultimate answer to this divinely inspired ache. Our Father in Heaven gave us Jesus to fill our hunger, to quench our thirst, and to reveal Himself as our soul’s satisfaction. He is the “good thing” that fills the void. As we begin this Advent journey, may we posture our hearts in thankfulness, recognizing our worship not as something we’ve conjured up, but as a heartfelt response to the God who creates our need and then graciously, perfectly, fulfills it.

ADULTS

Spurgeon says, “The Lord sets us longing and then completely satisfies us.” What longings in your heart this season might actually be God’s invitation for you to seek deeper satisfaction in Him?
Psalm 107:9 says He “filled the hungry with good things.” Looking back, can you identify a time when God satisfied a deep longing in your life? How can that memory fuel your thanksgiving and trust in Him for your current needs?
The promise of “Immanuel” is that God is with us in every moment. How does knowing God is present in your moments of longing and dissatisfaction change how you view the pressures and expectations of the Christmas season?

STUDENTS & KIDS

Think about a time you were really hungry or thirsty. What did it feel like to finally get something to eat or drink? The Bible tells us God satisfies our deepest needs just like that!
God gives the best gifts! What are some gifts from God that you can’t hold in your hands or put in a box?
“Immanuel” means “God with us.” How does it make you feel knowing that God is always, always with you?

DAILY PRAYER

Father, we praise You as the one who initiates our worship. Thank You for setting our hearts to long for You, our true satisfaction. We thank You for Your faithful promise to meet us in that longing, satisfying our thirsty souls and filling our hungry hearts with the goodness of Yourself. This Advent, as we celebrate Immanuel, quiet our hearts to find our fulfillment in the eternal reality of Your presence with us. Amen.

Kyle Cox, Minister of Recreation

Isaiah 55:1-3

In this beautiful invitation from Isaiah, God calls out to a weary and thirsty world: “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters.” It’s a picture of grace from a loving Father offering refreshment that cannot be bought or earned. During Christmas, we celebrate the coming of Jesus, the Living Water who satisfies our deepest thirst. While the world rushes to fill its emptiness with gifts, noise, and busyness, God gently reminds us that true fulfillment flows only from Him. The manger in Bethlehem was not just a cradle for a baby, but the wellspring of eternal life poured out for all who would come.

God’s call continues in verse 3: “Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live.” This is not merely an invitation to attend a celebration. It’s a call to a relationship. Jesus came so that we might know the heart of God and find life in His presence. As we pause amid the lights and carols this Christmas, may we hear His voice above the noise, bidding us to come and drink deeply of His love. The greatest gift we can receive this season is not found under a tree but in a Savior who still whispers, “Come to the waters.”

ADULTS

In what ways do you see people trying to “buy” satisfaction during the Christmas season, and how does God’s free invitation challenge that mindset?
What does it mean for you personally to “come to the waters” this Christmas, and how can you help others find that same refreshment in Christ?

STUDENTS & KIDS

What are some things that people your age turn to for happiness or meaning, and how do those compare to what Jesus offers?
How can you make space this Christmas to listen to God’s voice in the middle of all the excitement?

DAILY PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting us to come to Your living waters. In this busy Christmas season, help us to slow down, listen to Your voice, and find our true satisfaction in Jesus. Fill our hearts with Your peace and joy and teach us to share Your love with those who are still thirsty. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Fernando Mangieri, Campus Pastor – Español

John 6:32-35

In this passage, Jesus reveals himself, makes himself known as the true “bread of life,” and he does so in response to the crowd who were looking to Him for physical bread. To learn from these verses, one must understand the context of the manna in the desert (32-33), the crowd’s desire, need, and request for more bread (34), and Jesus’ declaration of himself as the bread of life (35). This last phrase establishes that Jesus is the spiritual food that satisfies the hunger and thirst of the soul and goes beyond mere physical sustenance.

Manna in the Old Testament was a sign of God’s provision and favor through Moses, but it was a physical and temporal food. Jesus corrects the crowd, clarifying that it was not Moses, but God who gave them the “manna,” and that the “true bread from Heaven” was a different and superior gift. The true bread from Heaven “comes down from Heaven and gives life to the world.” There is a reality beyond physical sustenance: eternal life, which Jesus gives to the world through His coming. But the people, still focused on material things, ask for “that bread” and continue to think of physical food to keep them satisfied. Jesus tells them, “I am the bread of life.” This is the central affirmation of the passage: “Whoever comes to me will never go hungry.” This refers to those who seek Jesus with faith, accepting and receiving Him. “Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” Faith in Jesus provides a spiritual satisfaction that is lasting and complete. Jesus is the “bread” that satisfies the hunger and thirst of the soul, a nourishment that never runs out and leads to eternal life. Unlike manna, the “bread of life” is spiritual and is Jesus himself. He is the source of eternal life, and He satisfies the deepest needs of human beings.

ADULTS

Are we enjoying Jesus, the bread of life?
Are we resting in Jesus, who satisfies our needs?

STUDENTS & KIDS

Have you ever been very, very hungry and thirsty?
Have you ever been hungry and thirsty, but for Jesus and the Bible?

DAILY PRAYER

Lord, thank You that You are the bread of life, and only You satisfy the hunger and thirst of my soul. Help me to rest in the eternal, not in the temporal. Amen.

Colby Ashe, Flint Campus Student Minister

Matthew 6:25–33

In a world that is full of chaos, it is very easy to find ourselves worrying about so many things. We worry about our future, friends, family, finances, appearance, or even not having a plan for tomorrow. As you read these verses, remember that they come directly from Jesus. His words aren’t just advice for us, but it reveals truth that shape how we live and trust Him. “Therefore I tell you: Don’t worry about your life”, Jesus gives us the answer by clearly stating that in Him and only through Him, we have no worries. Why does He say this? We have a heavenly Father who already knows and cares deeply about these worries. Giving these worries to Him are crucial. Verse 26 Jesus points out the birds of the sky. This is encouraging to us because if God takes care of the birds, He will surely take care of us. Verse 27 shows us that worry accomplishes nothing and adds NOTHING to our lives. It takes away because we are giving Satan a foot hold into our lives since our trust is not in God. We still struggle with fully trusting God’s plan.

The ending of this passage reveals the answer for everything. Verse 33 “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you”, we see a promise. That is, if we are fully trusting in God, we have everything we will need because He is the answer, and the worldly things could not give us what truly matters. Seeking Him daily provides us with the rest. He promises the life in Him is far more abundant than trying to fix family, friends, finances, or whatever else holds our attention. Seek Him first. The most crucial thing we will ever need is us living in the full presence of God.

ADULTS

Jesus tells us not to worry about our lives. What kinds of worries tend to weigh on you most, and why do you think they have such a hold?
What would change about your life if you genuinely believed God would meet every need you have?
What’s the difference between trusting that God can provide and living as if He will? Where do you see that gap in your own life?

STUDENTS & KIDS

Jesus says not to worry about food or clothes. What are some things you sometimes worry about?
How is trusting God different from trying to handle everything on your own?
How can you help a friend who is feeling worried remember that God loves them?

DAILY PRAYER

Dear Lord,

Thank You for the promise of always providing us with everything we will ever need. Help me to fully trust in You and lean on You and not myself. Remove any worry I may have that is keeping me from relying on You. Lord, I fully surrender my wants and needs to You today. Will You help me understand that You are all I need. Help me seek You daily. Fill my heart with Your presence because with You that is truly all I need. Father, forgive me for where I have failed You. Remove any sin that is keeping me from You. Thank You for always loving me. I pray today that I honor You in all that I do. Amen.

Kurt Fehlis, Student Pastor

Philippians 4:19

When we’re little, our “needs” are hilariously simple. We need that toy from the commercial (it was a Sega Dreamcast for me in 1999). We need dessert before dinner (my son is adamant that sugar is good for him). We need to stay up late because everyone else is and we don’t want to miss out. Then we grow up, and our needs shift—maybe now it’s a raise, a vacation, or just five more minutes of sleep. The truth is our list of what we think we need is always going to be changing. But if we’re honest, even when we get what we want, there’s usually another “need” waiting right behind it.

That’s why the promise of Philippians 4:19 is so life-giving for us. When Paul says, “My God will supply every need,” he’s not talking about a wish list—he’s talking about deep satisfaction that is found in a relationship with Jesus. Every need, every longing, every hole in our hearts finds its answer in Jesus, Immanuel—God with us. We can be content and at peace when we have a personal relationship with Him. God doesn’t just give us what we need; He is what we need. This Christmas, let us remember that real satisfaction doesn’t come from what’s under the tree, but from the One who came to be with us and meet our every need.

ADULTS

How have your ideas of what you “need” changed over the years? What does that reveal about your spiritual growth?
In what areas of your life are you tempted to look for satisfaction outside of Jesus?
When have you experienced God meeting a need in a way that surprised you or looked different than you expected?

STUDENTS & KIDS

What’s something you once thought you really needed—but later realized you didn’t?
How can you remind yourself that Jesus gives you everything you truly need, even when life feels hard or unfair?
What’s one way you can focus more on Jesus this Christmas instead of the things you hope to get?

DAILY PRAYER

God, thank You for supplying all things in my life, but most of all thank You for Jesus and for saving me. Help me today to desire Your plans and to find satisfaction in Your presence. Thank You for loving me and please help me today to share that same love with someone else. Amen.

Ken Brumley, Congregational Care Minister

Luke 9:10-17

I have read and imagined this story a thousand times in my life. It is truly one of my favorites. As I reread it this year, God opened my eyes to a word I had always overlooked. It was the word “satisfied.” Verse 17 said, “They all ate and were satisfied.”

The word “satisfied” is a very important word as we think about our gift of salvation. The word “satisfied” in the Greek language also means “propitiation.” Propitiation sounds like a big scary theological word, but it really isn’t. Let’s say you borrowed $1000 from the bank. And when it came time to pay the bank back, you did not have the money. A friend of yours hears about the problem and decides to help by paying off the debt for you. What a blessing! Your friend paying off your debt would be an act of “propitiation.” The bank would then give you a note that said, “Paid in Full.” Your friend made a way for you to live debt free.

In the same way that Jesus satisfied the hunger of the 5000, He also satisfied or paid the debt for our sin. The gospel reveals that we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s intended desire for us. A pure and just God could not look upon the failure of our sin. The consequence of our sin was death and hell. There was nothing we could do to satisfy God’s demand of perfection. That is why God the Father sent Jesus to pay off that debt of sin and separation. 1 John 4:10 says, “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 

So, instead of us dying for our sins, in love, Jesus willingly died on the cross for us. What a precious gift of forgiveness. What a gracious gift of life.

ADULTS

Can you find the act of propitiation in John 3:16?
Ephesians 4:15 says “Speak the truth in love.” Jesus was not afraid to speak the truth because love for us was His motivation. Why are we so afraid to speak truth into the lives of those we love?

STUDENTS & KIDS

Several times, I have seen someone in a fast-food drive-through pay for the meal of the person behind them. That is an act of propitiation. You paid someone else’s debt. This act also defines what forgiveness is all about. When we forgive someone, we cancel their debt of failure against us. Why is forgiveness so important in a family?
Another form of propitiation is encouragement. When we encourage those around us who are hurting or feel bad about themselves, we can separate their negative image into a positive one by speaking words of love and truth into their lives. What are words that encourage you the most?

DAILY PRAYER

Father, thank you so much for the gift of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for sending Him to do what we could not do for ourselves by taking away our sin. May we always be satisfied in all that You give us. Amen.

Week 2

Tim Nipp, Director of Worship Ministries

Exodus 3:13-15

In this passage, God introduces himself to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM.” In Hebrew, the word for I AM is Hayah… It carries with it the idea of the very breath of God. I AM was a name that signified that He always was, always is and always will be. I AM wanted Moses to know that not only would He remain the same, but His name would also endure to every generation that would inhabit the earth – even to our generations. Christian author Louis Giglio, in his book I am not but I know I AM, writes “God was telling Moses: I AM the center of everything. I AM running the show. I AM the same every day, forever. I AM the owner of everything. I AM the Lord. I AM the Creator and Sustainer of life. I AM the Savior. I AM more than enough. I AM inexhaustible and immeasurable. I AM God. In a heartbeat, Moses knew God’s name.”

At Christmas, we celebrate that Jesus, the great I AM, came as a baby. The God who spoke to Moses came to live among us in Jesus. He came softly, as a tiny baby in a manger. When He grew up, Jesus referred to Himself as “I AM”. He was directly identifying Himself as God… the same God who spoke to Moses. In the book of John, it’s recorded that Jesus said I AM the bread of life (6:35), I AM the light of the world (8:12), I AM the gate for the sheep (10:7), I AM the good shepherd (10:11, 14), I AM the resurrection and the life (11:25), I AM the way the truth and the life (14:6) and I AM the true vine (15:1). I’m so grateful that the great I AM came into the world to save me from my sins, by dying on the cross. I am forever thankful that He transformed my life. Christmas should point us all to the cross.

ADULTS

Do you have a personal relationship with the great I AM? Do you know His name? Has your life been transformed by the truth of Jesus?
In your relationship with the great I AM, what has He shown you that has most transformed the direction of your life?
Do you have a family member or close friend that you need to personally introduce to the great I AM?

STUDENTS & KIDS

Did you know that Jesus is the same I AM that Moses talked to?
Have you asked Jesus, the great I AM, to be your Savior?
Who could you tell about the truth of Jesus, the great I AM?

DAILY PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, You are the I AM who was and is and is to come. You were there before the world began, and yet You came to us as a baby in a manger. This Christmas, help us remember that the baby in Bethlehem is the same mighty I AM who holds the whole world in His hands. We thank You for dying for our sins on the cross. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ignacio Orellana, Español Campus Worship Leader

Isaiah 7:14

Has there ever been a moment in your life where you felt alone in your struggle, your failures, or your pain? Looking for something to fill you, but couldn’t find it anywhere? Personally, I have felt like that many times in my life. I remember as a seventeen-year-old looking for a place to sleep at night because my family was so far away. Now we can see in Isaiah that the heart of Ahaz and the hearts of his people are trembling with fear.

But this is the story of a faithful God relentlessly coming to be WITH His people. He dwelt with Adam in the garden in the cool of the day, and He was with Joseph in the prison, transforming his despair into purpose. God was with Moses throughout his feelings of inadequacy, providing and guiding each step, and here in Isaiah 7:14, He promises the most intimate presence of all. That one day He would come Himself, through a virgin to be called IMMANUEL. Your story is not defined by your loneliness or your struggles, but by His faithful presence that transforms it. He came for a seventeen-year-old with no place to call home. He came for the king, whose heart was heavy. And He came for you, so you don’t have to face a single moment alone. This is the God of the Universe who has drawn near to us. He is with you. Immanuel, “God with us”.

ADULTS

God transformed Joseph’s prison into a place of purpose. What is one current struggle in your life where you can ask God to reveal His transforming presence and purpose?
The name Immanuel is a promise of God’s initiative to be with us. How can you intentionally create space in your schedule today to simply acknowledge and rest in His presence?

STUDENTS & KIDS

Can you remember a time you felt scared or alone? How does knowing God is always with you make you feel about those times?
How does knowing God is with you change your view of a big challenge in your life?

DAILY PRAYER

Thank you, Jesus, for Your presence with us and You’re undeserving love that we can experience every single day. Thank You for not leaving us in our loneliness, in our fears. Thank You for the promise of Immanuel. Forgive me for the times I have lived as if I were alone, striving in my own strength. Right now, I receive Your presence, knowing that You are with me in every single detail in my life. When I feel lost, be my guide. When I need help, remind me that my help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and earth. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Billy Bob Dempsey, Minister of Instrumental Music

Matthew 16:13-17

My dad loved Merle Haggard. Of course, he did. As a truck driver, he spent thousands of miles driving to “Mama Tried” and “Workin’ Man Blues”. I must have heard “Okie from Muskogee” a gillion times on the record player at home. Very early one morning my dad pulled into a truck stop in Arizona, one he’d been to hundreds of times. Except this time there was a tour bus with no markings on it. Imagine his surprise when he stepped into the café and Merle Haggard was eating breakfast all by himself. Other than the wait staff and cook, the whole place was empty except for Merle. My dad walked up to him, thanked him for his music and told him how much he meant to him. Merle said, “thank you” and followed up with “can I buy you breakfast?” They shared that meal together like two long lost friends.

How do you think Peter felt when Jesus asked, “who do you say that I am?” We don’t know when Peter FULLY came to know that Jesus was “the Christ, the Son of the Living God”, but we know this moment defined Peter for the rest of his life. There was a before Jesus and an after Jesus. That’s certainly true for me. There was a distinct time and place when I came face to face, as it were, with Jesus and realized that He was exactly who He said He was. I asked for the forgiveness of my sins and made the same confession that Peter did. As soon as my dad realized who Merle Haggard was, he went right to him. No hesitating. This Advent Season, confess your sins and put your trust in Him. If you have already trusted Christ, whether your relationship is new or old, He’s waiting to fellowship with you. Sit down and spend time with Him today.

ADULTS

Remember when you really realized who Jesus is? What was your response?
If your relationship with Jesus isn’t the same as it was at first, what do you need to do to get it back?

STUDENTS & KIDS

How do we know that Jesus is God’s Son?
Why is Jesus the very best gift we could ever receive?

DAILY PRAYER

Dear Lord, help me to remember who You are today; but not only that, help me to remember who You are to ME! You desire a lifelong yet daily relationship with me and have given Your Son so I could have it. Give me strength and grace to walk with You now and always. Help me as I celebrate Advent this year and remind me that I am celebrating YOU. Amen.

Phil Caturan, Local Missions Minister

Luke 9:18–20

I’ve had the privilege of leading mission trips both nationally and internationally. During one trip to Mexico, people often began speaking to me in Spanish. At first, I would just nod politely, but when the conversation grew more serious, I had to admit, “No hablo Español.” They were often surprised. After all, we have similar skin color and physical features. Smiling, I would explain, “Soy Filipino.”

These moments remind me how easily people can mistake us for someone we are not, based on how we look, talk, or carry ourselves. At times, we even project an image of ourselves that isn’t true. Either way, it reveals how outward appearances can mislead. Jesus faced a similar situation when He asked His disciples, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”. People compared Him to great prophets, John the Baptist, Elijah, or others, but Peter boldly declared the truth, “You are the Messiah (Christ)”.

Our identity, like Peter’s confession, must rest not on appearances or assumptions, but on the truth of who we are in Christ, and even more importantly, on who He truly is.

ADULTS

If Jesus were to ask you, “Who am I to you?”, what would your response be?
If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

STUDENTS & KIDS

If your friends heard your name, what do you think they would say about you?
What is one way you can show others that Jesus is important in your life?
What does it mean for our family to follow Jesus daily?
As a family, how can you practically serve our Messiah together?
How can we encourage each other to grow in faith and obedience?

DAILY PRAYER

Lord, help us to know You in a personal and intimate way—not through secondhand information, but through Your Holy Word, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the example of faithful followers of Christ. May our lives reflect Your truth and grace, and may we live each day worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Week 3

Kevin Burdette, Minister to Senior Adults/Pastoral Care

Genesis 3:14-15

As soon as the creation story is completed, Satan shows up in Genesis 3, in the Garden of Eden, to begin his strategy to “kill, steal and destroy” everything God created and loved. This is where the conflict of good and evil begins. Since the moment Adam and Eve disobeyed God, there was a judgment and penalty pronounced that still impacts every human being to this very day. There was also a judgment and curse pronounced on the serpent. From that day on, the serpent has been cursed to crawl on its belly and eat dust. We are reminded of these curses and judgments every time we see a snake. The snake became our enemy. In the four verses following today’s passage, God spells out the punishment for our disobedience. Verse 19 reveals the ultimate punishment of death – “for dust you are and to dust you will return.”

However, as quickly as God pronounces judgment and punishment on mankind for our disobedience, he also reveals there is a coming defeat over our enemy. In theological terms verse 15 is called “the protoevangelium” – meaning this is the first promise of our hope over the enemy. This is the first reference of Jesus in the Bible. God tells the serpent he is putting enmity (hostility and hatred) between his offspring and the offspring of the woman. God tells Satan, “One day you will bruise his heel.” Whose heel? The offspring of the woman. Galatians 4:4 says, “In the fullness of time, God sent Jesus into the world born of a woman.” Satan will strike out in hatred. Then God said to the serpent, “You’re only going to bruise his heel, but the woman’s offspring is going to crush your head.” When Jesus hung on the cross and said, “It is finished,” he crushed Satan’s head. Romans 16:20 says, “And the God of Peace will soon crush the head of Satan under your heel.”

ADULTS

Read Genesis 3:16-19 to learn more about the curses God pronounced on Adam and Eve. What “curses” (punishments) have you experienced in your own life because of your disobedience to God?
Have you ever considered how deep God’s love for us must be for Him to reveal His plan to crush the head of our enemy even before He pronounces the punishments for our disobedience?

STUDENTS & KIDS

What does it mean to disobey? How do we learn not to disobey?
What punishments have you experienced for disobeying your parents or breaking the rules?

DAILY PRAYER

Lord, I thank You that from the very moment that Adam and Eve sinned against You, You revealed Your love for us and promised us victory. I thank You that You endured the pain of the cross (bruise your heel) and for crushing the serpent’s head in victory over the grave. Thank You for the hope we have in knowing your victory is ours when we accept Your love and forgiveness in our lives. Amen.

Dustin Lee, Kids Pastor

Matthew 1:20–21 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas is a season filled with joy, warmth, and the reminder of God’s greatest gift to us. In our home, my wife, Alisha, our five children (Lucas, Micah, Tucker, Elijah, and Carolina), and I look forward to Christmas with great anticipation. From the smell of Alisha’s seafood gumbo simmering on the stove to the early morning cups of coffee by the Christmas tree, there’s something special about the way the season fills our home with warmth, light, and laughter. My favorite part of Christmas in our home is when all the other lights are turned off except the glow of the Christmas lights. There’s something peaceful about that stillness, a moment to pause and remember that Jesus came into a dark world to bring light and hope. As parents, Alisha and I love watching our children experience the awe and wonder of Christmas, but even more, we love helping them understand the reason we celebrate: the hope we have in the name of Jesus!

Every year before we open gifts, our family gathers in the living room to read the Christmas story from Luke 2. It’s one of our most cherished traditions. Each of our five children takes part by helping share the story through our old flannel board nativity. One by one, they add the shepherds, angels, wise men, Mary, Joseph, and finally, baby Jesus. Everyone has a part in the story, and every year it becomes a moment that anchors our family in the truth of Christmas. We are reminded that Immanuel means “God with us.” He is not distant or removed. He is our Savior who rescues, comforts, and walks beside us in the greatest and hardest moments of life. When we gather with our church family at Green Acres on Christmas Eve and lift our candles high, I’m reminded again that the light we hold represents the light of Christ that lives within us. The same Jesus who came to save us now sends us to carry His light into a world that desperately needs hope. Jesus came to rescue, redeem, and remind us that He is with us!

ADULTS

How does the name Immanuel encourage you in both the joyful and difficult seasons of life?
When have you experienced God’s presence in a personal and powerful way?
How can you reflect the light of Jesus to those around you this Christmas season?

STUDENTS & KIDS

Why is it important to remember that Jesus is God with us?
What part of the Christmas story reminds you most that Jesus loves you?
How can your family share the light and hope of Jesus with others this Christmas?

DAILY PRAYER

Father, thank You for sending Jesus, our Savior and Immanuel. Thank You for being with us in every moment of life. Help us to reflect Your light and share the hope of Jesus with everyone we meet this Christmas. Amen.

Kori Roquemore, Kids Minister – Flint Campus

Acts 4:11-12

At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus not as only the baby in the manger but as the foundation for our salvation. From the time of Jesus’ birth in the manger to His death on the cross, His entire life points to glorifying the Father. Jesus was rejected by many, and it starts that night in Bethlehem when there was no room in the inn (Luke 2:7). From the very beginning, many have claimed to have no room in their life for Jesus. May this not be the case for us, may we be a people who even amidst the busy holiday schedules we make room for Jesus – the cornerstone of our faith.

Jesus is the only name under which salvation can be given to us. Jesus can be called many names – Messiah, Christ, Son of God, Immanuel, Savior but He is the only one true name who can save us. This passage calls us back to the core of Christmas: salvation through Christ alone. As we celebrate Christmas with gifts, lights, and treats may we remember it is not just about celebrating Jesus’ birth but recognizing that God sent His Son to be our Savior.

ADULTS

Who are the “builders” that verse 11 is referring to? How does that apply today?
What are some areas in your life that you may be saying you have “no room” for Jesus?

STUDENTS & KIDS

What does it mean that Jesus is the cornerstone of our salvation?
Knowing that our salvation is given under no other name than Jesus, how does this impact the way we share our faith? How does this impact the way we live our lives?

DAILY PRAYER

Lord, thank You for the gift of the Christmas season and more importantly thank You for the birth of Your Son. In a season of noise and distraction, help us remember that there is no other name but Jesus under which we may be saved. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, may we also be reminded that the baby in the manger is our risen Lord, who was rejected by the world but who You exalted above all. Thank You for sending your Son, Jesus. Amen.

Week 4

Eddy Espinosa, Business Operations Administrator

Isaiah 9:6-7

What do you think of when you think of peace? Absence of conflict? Problem free life?

I think most people would agree we all have conflict and problems in our lives. And looking around us, it doesn’t seem to be any better.

We see conflict and wars around the world, division and distrust in our country, our communities and even at times in our own families. It can lead a person to think can there even be peace? Real peace?

Isaiah was writing in the 8th century BC. Scripture states that God would give us this gift of peace and that He would do that through a baby. A baby that would grow up to carry all our burdens, all our fears, and all our problems.

We would call him by many names, but the one that speaks to us here is He would be called the Prince of Peace. What you and I could not do for ourselves, Jesus did for us. He provides peace, real peace. Peace is not determined by circumstances, or external outcomes, but by a relationship of faith with Him. Our relationship with Jesus brings us real internal peace.

This Christmas season celebrates the One who brings peace to us and to the world. The Prince of Peace-Immanuel!

ADULTS

What area of your life has you distracted and is not allowing you to experience the peace of Jesus?
What do you need to do to refocus on Jesus so you can experience His peace?

STUDENTS & KIDS

Why do you think at times you don’t have peace? What are you thinking about or focusing on at those moments?
How can you allow Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to change how you are feeling? How does experiencing God’s peace help you with the areas you are worried about?

DAILY PRAYER

Father, thank You that Jesus is the Prince of Peace and that we can experience that peace through a relationship with Him. This season, help us move closer to Jesus, to recognize His goodness in our lives, His faithfulness to us and yes, His peace in our lives. Amen.

John Roach, Missions Pastor

Micah 5:2

A cursory reading of Micah 5:2 may miss the very beginning of the verse, “Bethlehem Ephrathah.” In short, this name is an easy way to identify a geographic location or a way to distinguish this Bethlehem from other areas called Bethlehem. In other words, we know that Paris, Texas is very different from Paris, France even though they both have an Eiffel Tower (haha). There is so much more meaning however to this name Bethlehem Ephrathah. The word Bethlehem simply means “house of bread” and the word Ephrathah means “a place of fruitfulness” or “abundance.” So one could say this reference means “a house of abundant bread.” This may sound familiar. In John 6:35, Jesus says He is the “bread of life.” Later in John 10:10, Jesus says that He came to give us “life abundantly.” So Jesus, the unlikely King from the unassuming town of Bethlehem, is the “bread of abundant life.”

Micah’s prophecy was written more than seven hundred years before Jesus’ birth, during a time of political chaos and despair. Yet God’s promise through the prophet declared that hope would come from a small, overlooked place. Out of Bethlehem, the “house of abundant bread,” would come the One whose origin is “from ancient times.” The eternal Son of God would enter human history to bring salvation and satisfaction to all who believe.

Bethlehem reminds us that God’s greatest work often begins in the most unlikely of places. The King of Glory chose a manger over a mansion, a stable over a palace, and a small town over a great city to show that His power is made perfect in weakness.

I pray, during this Christmas season, that the people of God can wait with confidence. God’s promises may take time, but they never fail. May we also look for God in the ordinary. He often works through small places and humble people. And lastly, let us trust His plan. The same God who brought forth the Bread of Life from Bethlehem is still providing abundantly today.

ADULTS

In what ways have you experienced abundant life?
What are some ordinary people or experiences in your own life that you have seen God work in?
Are there areas of your own life that you have trusted God’s plan or that you need to trust God’s plan?

STUDENTS & KIDS

Why do you think God would choose an unknown town for Jesus to be born?
Jesus calls Himself the “Bread of Life.” In what ways have you experienced His abundance in seasons that felt small or ordinary?

DAILY PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank You for entering our world in humility and power. Help us to see Your hand in the small places and quiet moments. This Advent, fill our waiting with hope, knowing that Your promises are sure and Your reign is eternal. Amen.

Todd Haymans, Executive Pastor of Ministries

Luke 2:1-20

Merry Christmas! In Luke 2:1–20, we are reminded that God’s greatest gifts often come in the most unexpected ways. The Savior of the world was not born in a palace, but in a humble manger. The King of kings entered the world wrapped in cloth, surrounded by animals, and greeted not by royalty, but by shepherds—the ordinary, the overlooked, the lowly. This powerful contrast shows us that God values humility over grandeur and faithfulness over fame. When our lives feel small or unnoticed, we can take heart knowing that God’s glory often shines brightest in simple obedience and quiet faith.

The shepherds’ response to the angel’s message is a beautiful picture of faith in action. They didn’t hesitate or question; they said, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened” (v.15). Their immediate response led them to witness the fulfillment of God’s promise firsthand. Then, filled with awe, they shared the good news with everyone they met. Like the shepherds, we are called to move when God speaks—to seek Him with urgency and joy, and to share His hope with others. Today, may we approach the Savior with the same wonder, gratitude, and eagerness to proclaim His peace to a weary world.

ADULTS

The birth of Jesus took place in humble circumstances, yet it revealed God’s glory in a profound way. What does this teach us about how God works in unexpected or ordinary situations in our own lives?
When the shepherds heard the good news, they hurried to see Jesus and then shared what they had witnessed. How can we follow their example in responding to God’s message with both action and testimony in our daily lives?

STUDENTS & KIDS

Jesus was born in a stable, not a fancy place. What does that tell us about what’s really important to God?
The shepherds were so happy to hear about Jesus that they ran to see Him. How can we show our joy and love for Jesus in our everyday lives?

DAILY PRAYER

Our Good and Gracious Heavenly Father, thank You for the beautiful gift of Your Son, Jesus, who came into our world in such a humble and loving way. Just as the angels sang and the shepherds rejoiced, we, too, want to praise You for Your goodness and mercy. Thank You for reminding us that Your love reaches everyone.

Lord, we are grateful that You bring light into darkness and peace into troubled hearts. Help us to carry the joy of Jesus’ birth with us every day, to share Your love with others, and to live with wonder and gratitude like the shepherds who first saw Your glory. We give You all the praise and thanks for the Savior who brings hope to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Church Family,

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