Author: thartung

Wednesday, December 23 rd

1 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

Last year, Westside went through these powerful names that are given to Christ. If you
were not with us last year (or if you don’t remember what these names were) we want to
encourage you to go back on our website and check out these powerful messages. From this
passage we know that Christ is a:

-Wonderful Counselor: Christ is with us. Being fully human, He knows what we go through on
this earth. Go to Him in your struggles and hurts.

-Mighty God: Though fully human, Christ was still fully God! Spend this Christmas in awe at
who He truly is and the power He has over the Earth.

-Everlasting Father: This also shows the power that Christ has. He is everlasting. Just as
important as dying on the cross, Jesus rose from the grave! He is with us to the end of time.

-Prince of Peace: Through Christ, there will be no more pain, no more sin, no more suffering.
Revelation tells us that when Christ comes again, there will be a renewing of the Earth, and all of His followers will be with Him. Let this comfort you and give you peace.

Tuesday, December 22nd

21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. – Matthew 1:21 (NIV)

We have been saved from our sins! What a powerful phrase, yet so hard for each of us to
understand sometimes. We live in a world where you can be held accountable for any little
wrong. We hold grudges against our closest friends and family members. Yet Jesus, the most
perfect person to walk this Earth, has saved us. God no longer holds us accountable to our sins as long as we have faith in Christ Jesus. Through Him, we are saved!

Author Ian Jeffries

Monday, December 21st

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God,
who takes away the sin of the world! – John 1:29 (NIV)

Imagine being born for the sole purpose of being a sacrifice. That was the situation Jesus was walking into. From the beginning, Jesus’ mission was clear; He was going to take away the sins of the world. This phrase ties all the way back to Genesis 22, where Abraham is called to sacrifice Isaac. At the end of the day, God stops Abraham just in time, providing him with a ram to sacrifice. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus in anguish over the coming of his suffering prays “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) But with Jesus, there was no alternative. God was providing one last lamb for Israel (and now all of humanity). Jesus Christ was the final and perfect lamb sent to redeem each and every one of us. Jesus willingly surrendered to the will of the father in becoming that Lamb for sacrifice. At this time of advent take time to “behold” the coming of the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Author Ian Jeffries & Tom Hartung

Weekly Challenge:
On Christmas Eve, our passage is going to be Luke 2:1-20. We want to challenge
you to read this passage with someone from the next generation. Whether this be one of your own children, a grandchild, or a niece/nephew. Pass the story of Christmas on to someone new this year! If you don’t have any little ones to meet or FaceTime with, share this story with someone new to the faith or who might not have a relationship with Jesus Christ!

Sunday, December 20th

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will
have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 (NIV)

Today we discussed where we truly find peace in the world. Many of us search for peace
in our finances, our family, in our government. Ultimately, we may never find peace in these
areas of life (or anywhere in the world). Jesus promises us that He will be the ultimate source of peace. Though this world may seem in constant chaos, we can be assured that Jesus Christ is still on His throne. If we rest in Him, we will be able to get that peace from Him no matter what comes at us.

Author Ian Jeffries

Saturday, December 19th

Saturday Spiritual Discipline: Sabbath Rest

9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. – Hebrews 4:9-11 (NIV)

In the Christmas season, it is easy to be busy running around buying gifts, visiting family, and checking out some incredible Christmas lights. At the end of the day, it is easy to lose sight of why we truly celebrate Christmas. How could this be? We are so busy celebrating through our traditions that we lose heart of the real “reason for the season.” Don’t get me wrong, I will be checking out awesome light shows, buying gifts for my family, and spending the day with loved ones, but let’s not forget the real reason we celebrate Christmas: Jesus. As a spiritual discipline of Sabbath Rest, take the day and try to do as little work as you can. This includes any “fun” activities for the day. Stay inside with your family and try to be present with God. Spend the day praying, reading Scripture, and resting in the presence of God. (if today is already a lost cause, resolve to take a day like this as soon as possible) Next week will likely be a big one, so take a day of rest… and remember to spend it with Jesus.

Author Ian Jeffries