PASTOR’S MESSAGE
Hi Friends,
This week we are continuing our sermon series Christmas List. In this series we have looked at all the things that we want for Christmas that we can’t find on Amazon or at Target. So far we have discussed hope, belonging, and joy. And this week, on Christmas Eve, we will be looking at the word peace.
For the better part of the last two weeks, I’ve been thinking, meditating, studying, and praying about the word “peace”. Here are some of the things I’ve been trying to figure out:
- Why did the angels proclaim to the shepherds, “Peace on earth!” There certainly doesn’t seem to be much peace.
- Is peace just a feeling in my heart or is it something more tangible, more real?
- What does “peace” actually mean? Is it just the absence of war and hostility? Or is it something more?
Well, here are some of my conclusions. Yes, Jesus came to bring peace on earth, but that peace is experienced only by those “on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14) In other words, we experience peace through faith in Jesus. This peace is first and foremost between God and his people because of the work of Jesus. The Son of God became the son of a woman in order to take our place and give us peace with God. Peace is not just the absence of hostility. The word peace means “wholeness” or “completeness”, so that everything is the way it is supposed to be. Because of Christmas and Easter, our relationship with God is the way it is supposed to be, and when Jesus returns, he will resurrect our bodies and this world to be the way it is supposed to be.
So come, let us adore him! For unto us a child is born. Unto us a child is given. He is Jesus, the Prince of Peace!
You’re invited to join us for worship this Sunday at 9:00 or 10:30am. You can worship at the Ministry Center, on our live stream site, or on our YouTube channel.
Sharing Christ’s Victory,
Pastor Ben
CURRENT SERIES: Christmas list
ICYMI: Pastor Bill continued the sermon series with a message about joy. We learned that Jesus takes away all of our pain and suffering so we can experience true joy! To read and watch the message, click here.
Coming Up This Weekend: Pastor Ben continues the sermon series with a Christmas Eve message about Peace. Have you ever experienced a stressful time or a stressful season of life? During these times, when all we can feel is the angst that nothing is quite right, Jesus brings peace. He brings a settled heart of a restored relationship with God. Perfect peace isn’t dependent on circumstances but from a steadfast, trusting heart on God who is faithful to his promises.You can join in on Sunday at 9:00 or 10:30am at the Ministry Center, on our live stream site, or our YouTube channel.
Victory news
Worship Service Updates – Because of upcoming holidays, our worship services will be adjusted. For December 25 worship, we will be ONLINE ONLY at 9:00 & 10:30am, and on demand. For January 1 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.
WEATHER: Your safety is our top priority. If there is a possibility for unsafe weather, we will post worship updates to our social media pages, website, votl.life, and via email. Additionally, you can receive text updates by texting VICTORY to 94000. If you ever feel uncomfortable driving to Victory, you are always welcome to join us for worship online from anywhere. You can watch worship on our live stream site, or our YouTube channel.
VICTORY Opportunities
Christmas at Victory: Christmas services start tonight! It is not too late to join us for worship either in-person or online! We will have worship available for you and your family tonight, 12/23 at 6:30pm and tomorrow, 12/24 at 1:00, 2:30, and 4:00pm. Don’t forget to invite your friends and family to join you! Find out more by clicking here.
Year-Long Bible Reading Plan: You’re invited to join in the Bible Project Reading Plan, a year-long Scripture reading journey that you can take with your Victory family. Join in the plan using the YouVersion app. Each day, you’ll read a section of Scripture and get an opportunity to join in the discussion about the reading. You can learn more and join in the plan by clicking here. The plan begins January 2.
Victory Stories
A message from the staff: The Victory staff would like to wish you a safe and Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!