Sunday Morning Service 11/30/2025 - Christmas Together - Hope

Devotional

Day 1: Devotion produces hope and God's joyful reversal.

Mary's song (the Magnificat) demonstrates how wholehearted devotion feeds a hope that expects God to act; her words describe a God who remembers the lowly, scatters the proud, lifts the humble, and fills the hungry—an active, history-changing hope that reshapes generations and turns human longing into divine mercy. [39:28]

Luke 1:46-55 (ESV)
And Mary said,
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever."

Reflection: Identify one prideful attitude or entitlement you secretly rely on; what is one concrete action today (a prayer, a confession, or a serving step) you can take to turn that over to God and seek humility?

Day 2: Submission opens the way for God's purposes.

Mary's "let it be to me according to your word" models immediate, humble submission that requires adjusting plans and stepping into uncertainty; saying yes to God's call often means moving forward without all the answers and trusting that obedience prepares the way for God's greater work. [38:52]

Luke 1:38 (ESV)
And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

Reflection: What is one area of your life you are resisting God's "yes" on? Name it, pray a simple "let it be" prayer now, and take one small obedient step toward it before tomorrow evening.

Day 3: Faith trusts God's promises beyond visible proof.

When the next step is blind, faith calls a person to be sure of what is hoped for and certain of what is not seen; like Mary and Joseph, believers move forward by trust—taking practical steps while resting in God's presence and providence even when outcomes are unclear. [45:35]

Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Reflection: Name one decision you're avoiding because you can't see the outcome; list two practical steps you can take this week that demonstrate trust, then pray Hebrews 11:1 aloud and ask God for courage to act.

Day 4: Without Christ, people live hopeless and alienated.

The condition described in Scripture shows that apart from Christ people are separated, alienated, and without hope; the gospel restores belonging to God's covenant promises and turns private longing into a communal mission to bring others back into relationship with God. [01:06:02]

Ephesians 2:12 (ESV)
remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

Reflection: Think of one person in your life who seems disconnected from faith; what specific, compassionate step can you take this week to invite them into relationship—call, invite to coffee, or offer to pray with them—and schedule it right now.

Day 5: In Christ we receive a living hope.

Because of Jesus' resurrection, believers are born again into a living hope that endures from today into eternity; this living hope sustains and reshapes how people face grief, holiday pressures, and fear, offering a presence and promise that never ends. [01:06:24]

1 Peter 1:3 (ESV)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Reflection: During this holiday week, name one fear or grief that usually steals your joy; write a one-sentence prayer declaring your living hope in Christ over it, and share that prayer with a trusted friend or small group by the end of the week.

Sermon Summary

I opened with a raspy voice but a full heart, inviting us into Advent with the first candle: hope. We carry a lot of hopes this time of year—perfect gifts, perfect meals, perfect family moments—but many among us also carry grief, dread, or uncertainty. I wanted us to see that hope is not optimism dressed in tinsel. Hope is the Person of Jesus, the fulfillment of God’s promises arriving in real history and in our real lives.

We stepped into Luke 1 where Mary, having said yes to God, visits Elizabeth and is greeted by joy that literally leaps. Mary is favored not just because of prophecy and lineage, but because of her devotion; her “I am the Lord’s servant” became the doorway through which hope entered the world. Her song—rich with Scripture—shows a heart trained to put God first, rejoice in Him, and trust His character when the path is unclear. That devotion fed her hope.

We remembered the 400 silent years before Christ and the Roman world’s tensions—political strain, economic disparity, cultural complexity—remarkably similar to ours. Into that world, God was already at work. Mary and Joseph faced a crisis of belief and had to adjust to join what God was doing. That’s still the invitation: faith takes the next step when we can’t see the whole road, trusting that God’s timing is perfect and His guidance is enough.

I shared some hopes for our church: continued growth in discipling others, a baptistry used and “abused,” generous hearts with time, talent, and treasure, and a willingness to obey quickly. We celebrated God’s work among us—new families, outreach, staff transitions—and asked you to pray as we discern a new staff role. Obedience has opened doors this year; we want to keep saying yes.

Finally, I spoke to anyone who feels they have no hope. Scripture says that apart from Christ we were without hope, but in His great mercy God gives us new birth into a living hope. That hope doesn’t expire at midnight on December 25; it begins now and runs into eternity. Today is a good day to trust Him, to step forward for prayer, and to let the Hope of the world steady your next step.

Key Takeaways

1. Hope is more than holiday cheer Hope is not wishful thinking wrapped in lights; it is confidence in the God who came near and still comes near. When Jesus is our hope, celebration is anchored to a Person, not to circumstances. That shifts us from managing outcomes to trusting Presence. It turns December into a doorway for encounter. [30:41]
2. Devotion feeds resilient, living hope Mary’s hope grew from a heart saturated in Scripture and surrendered to God’s will. Devotion doesn’t remove fear, but it reorients it—fear yields to worship when God is first. Over time, habits of surrender train us to recognize God’s hand and rejoice before results arrive. Hope becomes sturdy because its roots go deep. [40:34]
3. Adjust to join God’s movement God’s invitations often create a crisis of belief: the old rhythms won’t carry us into the new work. Like Mary and Joseph, we must realign plans, expectations, and timelines to move with Him. Adjustment is costly, but it is how hope becomes embodied in our actual lives. Faith grows in the steps we’re brave enough to take. [44:42]
4. Obedience opens doors for mission When we say yes quickly, God weaves us into His plans for people around us. Obedience turns ideas into stories—baptisms, disciples made, communities served, teams formed. It’s not our brilliance God needs but our availability. Doors open when hearts are already open. [50:58]
5. Hope meets us in our grief The holidays can intensify loss; God does not dismiss that ache. Real hope looks sorrow in the eye and stays, offering presence, prayer, and pathways forward. In Christ, grief is not the final word; love keeps vigil until light breaks in. You are seen, and you are not alone. [27:52]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[24:42] - Greeting travelers and online viewers
[25:18] - Christmas Together series begins
[27:52] - Naming grief during the holidays
[30:41] - Lighting the Advent candle of hope
[31:28] - 400 years of waiting and context
[34:30] - Mary visits Elizabeth
[36:47] - Why Mary was favored
[38:08] - “I am the Lord’s servant”
[39:28] - Mary’s song and devotion
[43:25] - Experiencing God: crisis and adjustment
[47:24] - Discipleship momentum and church hopes
[50:58] - Obedience and shared mission
[65:23] - From no hope to living hope
[67:20] - Invitation to respond and pray

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

- Luke 1:39–56 — 39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” 46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble state; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” 56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.

Observation Questions

In Luke 1:46–50, what words and images does Mary use to describe God’s character and actions? How do those images shape the hope she expresses?
The preacher said, “Hope is more than holiday cheer — it is you. You are our hope.” How does that definition differ from the holiday hopes people usually carry, and what does it imply about where we place our confidence? [30:41]
The sermon listed three reasons Mary was “favored”: prophecy/lineage, Joseph’s role, and her devotion. Which reason does Luke’s account emphasize most, and how did the preacher connect devotion to resilient hope? [38:08]

Interpretation Questions

How does Mary’s familiarity with Scripture (her references to Abraham, God’s promises, and mercy in Luke 1:46–55) explain her response to God’s invitation? In the sermon, what practical fruit did the pastor say comes from that kind of Scripture-saturated devotion? [40:34]
The sermon described Mary and Joseph entering a “crisis of belief” that required them to adjust. What kinds of internal and external adjustments does the Luke passage imply (status, plans, reputation)? How does the preacher explain the role of such adjustments in allowing God’s work to move forward? [44:42]
Luke shows God bringing low the proud and lifting up the humble (Luke 1:51–53). How does the preacher interpret that theme in terms of the church’s mission and obedience—what practical opening of doors happens when people say “yes”? [50:58]
The sermon quoted Hebrews 11:1 to define faith as certainty about what is unseen. How should that definition of faith affect the church’s willingness to take risks or to move when the next step is not yet clear? [45:01]

Application Questions

The pastor said Mary’s hope was fed by devotion—she “knew her Scripture” and put God first. What is one concrete spiritual habit you will begin or deepen this Advent (daily Scripture reading, a 10‑minute prayer slot, memorizing a verse)? When will you start, and how will you make yourself accountable? [40:34]
The sermon called the invitation to follow God a time to “adjust” plans and expectations. Name one current plan, timeline, or comfort you might need to change to follow what you sense God doing. What is the first concrete step you will take this week to begin that adjustment? [44:42]
The preacher celebrated that 40 people volunteered to disciple others. Identify one person you could invest in as a spiritual disciple or mentor. What will you say to them to begin the relationship, and when will you make that first contact? [47:24]
The pastor hoped the baptistry would be used many times this next year. Are there ministry opportunities you’ve avoided because of time, fear, or skill concerns? Pick one opportunity and commit to a first action (sign up, attend an info meeting, call a leader) by a specific date. What is that date? [48:00]
The sermon named that some people dread the holidays and carry grief. If you are carrying loss or dread this season, who will you ask to pray with you or sit with you this week, and when will you arrange that meeting? If you’re not grieving, who in your circle could you invite to share company or prayer? [27:52]
The sermon closed by inviting those without Christ to come forward. If a next step of faith (repentance, confession, baptism, joining a group) is on your heart, name that step now and share with one person in the group how you will take that step this Advent. [01:07:20]

Sermon Clips

Sometimes we hope that God provides a path out of something that we just can't see. And there's not a solution in our mind and in our hearts. And so we're praying and hoping. And as I thought about Mary and Joseph this week, I began to really think about how much they needed a little bit of hope. They were also carrying hope because what brings a family more together than a baby, right, and gathering people. But Mary is actually carrying the hope of the world. [00:28:18] (39 seconds) #MaryCarriedHope

When you think about that in a more formal definition, if you go to a dictionary, hope means an expectation. It's a belief, right, in the fulfillment of something that we desire. Something we greatly want. But the Bible has actually a whole lot to say about hope as well. There's over 150 instances of the word hope between the Old Testament and the New Testament. It's mentioned in many different ways. Sometimes it's a noun. Sometimes it's a verb. Sometimes it's talking about trust. And sometimes it's actually referring to God as a person. [00:28:57] (44 seconds) #BiblicalHope

But after this long-awaited time, just like we long and wait for Jesus to return, they were waiting for him to come for the very first time. They kept talking about it over all those hundreds of years. And then all of a sudden, it begins to happen. I want to invite you to turn your Bibles to Luke chapter 1. And so we're going to kind of be camped out today. We're going to kind of jump towards, middle towards the end. If you want to go to verse 39, and we'll see the first of a coming together for Mary and her family. [00:34:05] (46 seconds) #FulfilledPromise

``But more importantly, why was Mary so, besides being the virgin that the scripture spoke about, it was her devotion. She was 100% devoted to God. And, man, if we all had this attitude of what she says, excuse me, in Luke 1, 38. She says, I am the Lord's servant, Mary answered. And she said, may your word to me be fulfilled. God, do whatever you said is going to come true in my life. I'm willing to say yes. What drives that kind of an answer? What helps us to have that kind of a response? [00:38:08] (55 seconds) #YesLikeMary

That's what Experiencing God's about. We have to adjust ourselves. We have to change, and we have to move in the same direction that God is moving. And that is exactly what Mary and Joseph did. They had to put their hope in him. They had to trust him to take that next step. And remember, when we are looking at experiencing God, one of the reasons that we have to trust is because sometimes that next step is blind. And Hebrews 11.1, faith is being what? Sure of what you hope for, certain of what you do not see. [00:44:44] (44 seconds) #StepOutInFaith

He loves us through it. Even when we may falter, we see his grace and we see his mercy. And he did that with Joseph and Mary all the way through. He provided protection. He provided a place for them to have the child. And I love how he shared that same hope with the shepherds. Eventually, he would share it with the wise men. Christmas together. A coming together. A coming together. A joining together. Because that's exactly what Jesus does for us. The Christ child comes and he brings us hope and he brings us encouragement. [00:46:07] (43 seconds) #ChristBringsHope

And so I want to just remind you of a few things as we look forward to the new year and as we finish out this year, that as we put our hope in God and we live expectantly, that these are some things that we need to remember. First of all, God's timing is absolutely perfect. It was perfect with the birth of Jesus. Absolutely perfect. Every prophecy fulfilled in one night. Amazing. As you go back, maybe take some time to look those up this holiday season. None of our messages will focus on the prophecies this year. But go read them. [00:49:36] (49 seconds) #GodsPerfectTiming

And it's amazing that when we do step out in obedience, that we experience him in a whole new way. And that God does amazing things in and through us. It's been so cool to watch that happen this year. It's been cool to see God grow missions and ministry in our midst. The people's lives that we've made an impact in, in this community. Through schools like Ebonport. And through our mission efforts. Through basketball. Or the Hispanic church that meets together every week. Here on our property. I love those things. Because we're being obedient. [00:51:10] (41 seconds) #ObedienceTransforms

Psalms 37, 4. Delight yourself in the Lord. You know, it's my favorite verse. And he will give you the desires of your heart. You're going to be willing to follow a desire that comes from God. And that's something important for us to do. Finally, God gives us his desires and hopes that he will fulfill them in and through us. Wouldn't it be fun for God to use you in a new way this next year? I'm willing to do something amazing in and through you as an individual. And many of you raised your hand last Sunday and said, Me, I'm willing. [00:52:27] (40 seconds) #DelightInTheLord

And our hope is found in God and in through Jesus Christ and what he did on the cross for us. 1 Peter 1.3 talks about that. Praise be to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In his great mercy, he has given us new birth, just like the new birth of Jesus. He has given us a new birth into a living hope. Not just a one-time hope, but it's a hope that when we accept Jesus Christ, we have from that day until eternity, it never ends. And so our hope is in him. And we get to walk in that every day. We are in a living hope. [01:06:11] (48 seconds) #LivingHope

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