MESSAGE OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Hi Friends,
Christmas is almost here… but you might find yourself feeling a little less than enthusiastic about it. Maybe you were expecting things to be different this year, but you’ve faced many of the same challenges as you did last Christmas. Perhaps you couldn’t afford those gifts your family members wanted, and you dread their looks of disappointment on Christmas morning. You might be struggling with depression or anxiety this year and wish you could “opt out” of Christmas altogether. Or, you may be facing the grief of losing a loved one and can’t even imagine how Christmas can still happen without this person.
Into all of this pain comes Jesus. The message the angel brought to the shepherds is the same message God has for all of us, on Christmas and every day: But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12).
It’s good and healthy to acknowledge the pain you’re going through. But don’t get stuck there. Remember the birth, death, and resurrection of your Savior. And embrace the hope He brings you for your past, your present, and your future.
You’re invited to join us for Christmas at Victory services, which will help us all focus on this hope we have in Jesus. We’ll have identical services on December 23 at 6:30pm and December 24 at 1:00, 2:30, & 4:00pm. You can worship at Victory, on our live stream site, or on our YouTube channel.
Reaching today’s people with Christ’s victory,
Sammi Goodger, Communications Director
THIS WEEKEND – CHRISTMAS AT THE MOVIES
ICYMI – Last weekend, Pastor Bill asked us to consider how Jesus can change all our Grinch-like hearts. You can click here to read and watch this message.
Coming Up This Weekend – For Christmas at Victory on December 23 & 24, Pastor Bill will share a message about how God’s grace given to us through Jesus helps us realize the importance of living for others. And, this Sunday at 9:00 & 10:30am, we’ll have a pre-recorded message from Pastor Bill about how we can live every day like it’s Christmas. You can join in these services at Victory (December 23 & 24), on our live stream site, or our YouTube channel.
VICTORY OPPORTUNITIES
Cookies for Christmas at Victory – It’s not too late to sign up to donate cookies! You’ve got an opportunity to donate your favorite cookies to provide this service to our guests. Click here to register to donate.
Christmas at Victory – You’re invited to Victory this Christmas as we celebrate the greatest story ever told… the birth of our Savior Jesus, who brings hope and peace to the world. We’ll host services on December 23 at 6:30pm and December 24 at 1:00, 2:30, & 4:00pm. In order to help us plan for guests, we will be asking everyone to reserve their seats, which you can do by clicking here.
Year-Long Bible Reading Plan – If you’ve struggled to keep up with the year-long Bible reading plan, we encourage you to try it this year with a new, more manageable reading schedule. Throughout the year, we’ll be reading the New Testament and the Book of Psalms. You can join in the plan by clicking here. The plan begins January 3.
New Group for Women – Women of all ages are invited to join in a study of the book Jesus & Women by Kristi McLelland, a seven-week opportunity held at the Ministry Center, starting January 11. Participation in this group is $10 to cover the cost of books. To learn more and register, click here.
VICTORY NEWS
Worship Service Updates – Because of upcoming holidays, our worship services will be adjusted. For December 26 worship, we will be ONLINE ONLY at 9:00 & 10:30am. For January 2 worship, we will be in-person and online for the 9:00am worship service and online-only for the 10:30am service. We encourage you to join in for worship from wherever you’re at for the holidays!
Victory News – Next week, we will not be sending out a Victory News email. You can always stay up-to-date and get in touch at votl.life.
VICTORY STORIES
From the Van Lannen Family – A few weeks ago, we collected a Mercy Ministry offering for the Van Lannen family, whose youngest child is undergoing medical treatments in California. Here is a message from them:
“We just really wanted to thank everyone for their generosity shown to us! All of your thoughts and prayers and the generous gift of money we received has been helpful beyond what words can express. We truly appreciate all the care and support from all of you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are so thankful for our Victory church family! Have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!”