Why Does Advent Matter?
Because Jesus Changes Everything (Advent 2025)
Why spend a month on Jesus’ birth? As a time of waiting and preparing, Advent affords the opportunity to reflect on all that Jesus’ birth makes possible. It slows us down so we can remember that the story of Christ’s coming is more than a moment in history. It is God stepping into our world with rescue, hope, and redemption.
This series provides depth to our celebration of Advent by unwrapping the wonder of Jesus’ birth and the redemption His coming provides. Each week we will explore a different part of the story and consider how Jesus’ arrival changes our lives today. Together we will look at themes of waiting, wonder, God’s faithful work on our behalf, and the hope we have as we look forward to Christ’s return.
This series provides depth to our celebration of Advent by unwrapping the wonder of Jesus’ birth and the redemption His coming provides. Each week we will explore a different part of the story and consider how Jesus’ arrival changes our lives today. Together we will look at themes of waiting, wonder, God’s faithful work on our behalf, and the hope we have as we look forward to Christ’s return.
Advent Bible Reading Plan
As part of our Advent series, we invite you to participate in a weekday Bible Reading Plan that follows the themes and passages from each Sunday message. Advent is a season of waiting and preparing, and these short daily readings offer a simple way to slow down, reflect, and pay attention to what Jesus' birth makes possible.
You can read on your own or sign up to join a Bible Reading Texting Group. These small groups connect a few people together to share brief thoughts, encouragement, or simple “read” check-ins throughout the week. It is an easy and meaningful way to stay rooted in Scripture and connected to others during Advent.
Bookmarks with the full reading schedule are available at the Welcome Center and the church office.
You can read on your own or sign up to join a Bible Reading Texting Group. These small groups connect a few people together to share brief thoughts, encouragement, or simple “read” check-ins throughout the week. It is an easy and meaningful way to stay rooted in Scripture and connected to others during Advent.
Bookmarks with the full reading schedule are available at the Welcome Center and the church office.
Advent Messages
November 30, 2025 @ 8:30 & 10:30 AM – Advent Matters: Waiting to be Saved
Psalm 130; Luke 1:67-80; 1 Peter 1:10-12
The Advent month reminds us that good things are worth waiting for. Israel waited and waited to be saved, and their longing was satisfied with a salvation richer than they had hoped for. Jesus’ birth brought rescue near and changed their life narrative. We still carry unfulfilled longings, but our deepest need is fully met in Him. Advent reminds us to wait with faith.
December 7, 2025 @ 8:30 & 10:30 AM – Advent Matters: The Wonder of the Virgin Birth
Isaiah 7:14; John 3:1-8
The wonder of birth shows us that God is creative and loves new life. Jesus’ birth reveals how earnestly God desires to come close and bring us new life. His birth through a virgin shows how carefully God designed His plan so we would see that Jesus is both God and man. His birth also reinforces His teaching that we must and can be born again. Advent helps us reflect on the wonder of redemption.
December 14, 2025 @ 8:30 & 10:30 AM – Advent Matters: Working On Our Behalf
Matthew 1:18-25; Hebrews 2:14-18
At His birth, Jesus was given the names Jesus and Immanuel. These names assure us that He came to work on our behalf: to save us and to stand with us. We will explore His high priestly work of taking our justice on Himself and graciously helping us through trials. Advent invites us to break from independence and welcome His work in our lives.
December 21, 2025 @ 8:30 & 10:30 AM – Advent Matters: My “Whys” and His World-Wide Reign
Luke 1:26-33; Hebrews 1:1-4
The waiting rooms of life raise deep questions: Why is this happening? Who is in control? What will the outcome be? Mary likely returned to the angel’s words again and again, during pregnancy and at the foot of the cross. Despite appearances at His birth and death, Jesus is the undisputed ruler of this world, superior to all, and worthy of our trust in the middle of our “whys”.
December 24, 2025 @ 4:00 & 6:00 PM – Advent Matters: When Once Isn’t Enough
Luke 2:1-14; Acts 1:10-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
When the waiting is over and the greatest gift is revealed, joy makes us long for it again. Jesus’ first coming guarantees the sequel — His return. Advent calls us to celebrate the joy of His birth and to live with anticipation for the day He comes again. Of all people, we have the greatest reason to hope for tomorrow and to share faith today.
Psalm 130; Luke 1:67-80; 1 Peter 1:10-12
The Advent month reminds us that good things are worth waiting for. Israel waited and waited to be saved, and their longing was satisfied with a salvation richer than they had hoped for. Jesus’ birth brought rescue near and changed their life narrative. We still carry unfulfilled longings, but our deepest need is fully met in Him. Advent reminds us to wait with faith.
December 7, 2025 @ 8:30 & 10:30 AM – Advent Matters: The Wonder of the Virgin Birth
Isaiah 7:14; John 3:1-8
The wonder of birth shows us that God is creative and loves new life. Jesus’ birth reveals how earnestly God desires to come close and bring us new life. His birth through a virgin shows how carefully God designed His plan so we would see that Jesus is both God and man. His birth also reinforces His teaching that we must and can be born again. Advent helps us reflect on the wonder of redemption.
December 14, 2025 @ 8:30 & 10:30 AM – Advent Matters: Working On Our Behalf
Matthew 1:18-25; Hebrews 2:14-18
At His birth, Jesus was given the names Jesus and Immanuel. These names assure us that He came to work on our behalf: to save us and to stand with us. We will explore His high priestly work of taking our justice on Himself and graciously helping us through trials. Advent invites us to break from independence and welcome His work in our lives.
December 21, 2025 @ 8:30 & 10:30 AM – Advent Matters: My “Whys” and His World-Wide Reign
Luke 1:26-33; Hebrews 1:1-4
The waiting rooms of life raise deep questions: Why is this happening? Who is in control? What will the outcome be? Mary likely returned to the angel’s words again and again, during pregnancy and at the foot of the cross. Despite appearances at His birth and death, Jesus is the undisputed ruler of this world, superior to all, and worthy of our trust in the middle of our “whys”.
December 24, 2025 @ 4:00 & 6:00 PM – Advent Matters: When Once Isn’t Enough
Luke 2:1-14; Acts 1:10-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
When the waiting is over and the greatest gift is revealed, joy makes us long for it again. Jesus’ first coming guarantees the sequel — His return. Advent calls us to celebrate the joy of His birth and to live with anticipation for the day He comes again. Of all people, we have the greatest reason to hope for tomorrow and to share faith today.