Advent: Love

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register. ⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
~Luke 2 (NIV)
 

 We have been talking about Advent, which means preparing for Christmas. We have talked about hope and peace (we skipped joy), and the 4th week of Advent is love.

Do you always love yourself? God has unconditional love for you and everyone, even when you don't.

Jesus was born in the lowest of places to be like us to show us how to live a life so we can leave the torment of the earth. We try to figure things out and be right, but we need to try our best to live how Jesus lived.

God loves you for you no matter what!

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Prayer for Sandy Hook

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It's hard to process the events of this past Friday. We wish that this was something that we didn't have to face, but unfortunately, we have to face many tragedies in this world.

We are praying for those whose lives were tragically ended, and for those family members who lost a loved one.

Lord,

We lift up this horrible situation to you. We pray for those who have had their lives changed by the loss of a loved family member. We pray that they have the strength to plan funerals and cope with their great losses. We pray that they are able to get through the holidays with the ability to honor and celebrate those that were lost. We pray for the community of Sandy Hook. We pray for their ability to rebuild and pull together. We pray that they can comfort each other. We pray that you give wisdom to those who are investigating the situation, that they gather all of the information and can make informed decisions on what to do to help keep the children safe. We pray for the teachers of Sandy Hook and everywhere. Give them the love and strength to continue to teach and help children grow. Let them have the answers to the tough questions, and give them the ability to keep their kids safe. 

Amen

Remember:
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)

Guest Speaker: Mariah Tramonto

We were lucky enough to have a former TurningPoint member come back to give her testimony!

Mariah Tramonto came and talked about compassion. Throughout her trials, she was specifically touched by the concept of compassion. Compassion shows unconditional love, grace and kindness.
She struggled for many years with drugs and alcohol, but was always shown compassion, especially from God. God is what we are not.

Some bible verses that have been important to Mariah are John 3:16 and the Parable about the Lost Son:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ~John 3:16 (NIV)

 Mariah is now working at Teen Challenge in Brooklyn. She works to help those struggling from drugs and alcohol, and is willing to talk to our teens if they need to talk to someone with a similar experience. If you would like to talk to Mariah, please contact Teen Challenge.

**As of April, 2014, Mariah is now living in Virginia with her husband! She is no longer working at Teen Challenge, but you can contact Teen Challenge if you are struggling with an addiction.

Bells Will Be Ringing

Today we spent some time ringing bells for the Rochester Salvation Army. Every year after Thanksgiving, they begin their Red Kettle Campaign. We have not done this before, and thought it would be a fun way to show everyone part of what being a Christian is all about: serving others.

{Our group of teens}

 

{Our make-shift sign}

 

{How we spent our 3 hours}

{The awesome stickers we got}

We're so glad that we got to spend the morning ringing bells for the Salvation Army!

Advent: Peace

⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” ¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” ¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
~Luke 2 (NIV)
 

Review: What is advent? It is preparing for Jesus' birth.

What is peace? Relaxed, tranquil, no conflict.

Is it possible to have peace on earth? Jesus presents the possibility of peace for earth. Peacefully help by spreading the Word of God by giving the world a way to heaven. When we spread the Word of God, we help create peace in the world.