Presents or Presence?

This Christmas we each want to give something that truly matters, but how?  It begins in giving what really matters, the gift of a relationship. Listen in as we look at Matthew 1:18-25 and what God teaches us about giving not just presents but presence. Podcast: Play in new window | Download (0.0KB)...

The Real Price Tag of Christmas

Everything around us tells us that we need to spend. In fact, our economy thrives on the assumption that to be happy we need to buy things, even things we don’t need. On the other hand, Jesus sets another model for us. His example, illuminated by Paul in Philippians 2:5-11,  calls us to spend less on ourselves and to use those resources to be a blessing to others. Podcast: Play in...

Is Christmas in a Manger or on Aisle 9?

This week we began our celebration of the Advent Conspiracy together. We are seeking to enter into the truest meaning of Christmas by choosing to worship fully by spending less and giving more following the example of Jesus. To worship fully, we are going to have to ask some hard questions, like “What are we looking for in Christmas?” This week we look at the magi and King Herod in...

How Much?

This week at Bethel, we continue our celebration of Advent and our participation in the Advent Conspiracy. We are choosing to spend less on ourselves that we might be a blessing to others. Some of our folks here at Bethel have asked, “How much should I give away this Christmas?” The hard part is, there is no formula or amount, I think it requires one to simply ask God and be obedient no...