Berea Update for December 19, 2025
As we move closer to Christmas, the theme of joy comes into sharper focus. "Joy" is everywhere this time of year—songs on the radio, decorations in our homes, laughter at gatherings. And yet, many people find themselves smiling on the outside while feeling weary, anxious, or discouraged on the inside. The joy the world offers is often shallow and short-lived, easily shaken by circumstances, unmet expectations, or painful realities. But the joy announced at Christmas was different.
When the angel appeared to the shepherds, the message was clear: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). This joy was not tied to comfort, wealth, or ease. It was rooted in the arrival of a Savior. Biblical joy is not the absence of sorrow; it is the presence of hope. It is the settled gladness that comes from knowing God is at work, even when life is hard.
The birth of Jesus reminds us that true joy flows from what God has done—not from how life is going. Because Christ has come, joy is possible in every season, including seasons of loss, stress, or waiting. This week’s devotionals will help us rediscover a joy that is deeper than emotion, stronger than circumstances, and anchored in Christ Himself. As you walk through this week, ask the Lord to replace fleeting happiness with lasting joy—the kind that sustains, strengthens, and points others to Him.
Below, make sure you also read through the upcoming events! We hope you and your family will be able to join us for these different events!
Upcoming Events
1. The forecast looks better for this Sunday's service! I hope you'll all be able to join us as I will continue the Christmas series called: "From Promise to Presence: God With Us." This Sunday's message is called: "The Mission in the Manger: He Came to Save" The primary passage will be Philippians 2:5-11, but we'll be in many different portions of Scripture, in both the Old Testament and New as we journey through the sermon and series!
2. The winter quarter for Sunday School began two weeks, but it's not too late to join! In fact, due to the snow, there's only been one week of this quarter. There are two options for adults:
A Study on the Sermon on the Mount
Teacher: Pastor Mark Gainer
This class, which is a continuation from the Summer and Fall quarters, on the Sermon on the Mount, will explore Jesus’ transformative teachings in Matthew 5–7 diving into themes of kingdom living, righteousness, and discipleship. Discover how these timeless principles challenge and inspire us to live faithfully in today’s world. This sermon is as relevant today as it was back then! Participants will be encouraged to apply Jesus’ teachings to their own lives in very practical ways throughout the course.
Biblical Forgiveness
Teacher: Dana Love
This course explores how Scripture presents forgiveness as the foundation for restoring humanity’s relationship with God. Together we will examine the theological basis for God’s forgiveness and learn how those principles shape our journey to forgive others in practical, meaningful ways.
3. We will be doing our annual Christmas Eve Service on Wednesday, December 24 at 4:30 PM here at the church. Our desire is that might all be able to come together, and still leave time for family dinners and gatherings that evening. Invitation cards will be available for you to pick up on Sunday at the Welcome Center.
4. The church office will be closed on Thursday, December 25 and Friday, December 26 in observance of Christmas.
Ways You Can Pray This Week
1. Pray that the Lord would use each Christmas service to point people to the true meaning of the season—Jesus Christ—and that those who attend would encounter His peace, hope, and saving grace.
2. Continue to pray for the Operation Christmas Child boxes that our church sent out several weeks ago. We know that some are on the way to Panama and Burundi, and we learned this week that more of ours are on the way to Peru!
***Please know that there are many individuals who need prayer this week due to health concerns and other events going on in their lives. Out of sensitivity to each individual's situation, these requests may not appear in this weekly blog. We have a "Prayer Team" at the church who receives more detailed information, and commits to praying for individuals in our church family.
This Week's Devotions
DAY 1 — Good News of Great Joy
Luke 2:10–11 — “And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'"
The first announcement of Christmas was not made to kings or scholars, but to shepherds working the night shift. And the message was not one of fear, but joy. This joy was not selective—it was “for all the people.” No matter your background, past, or present struggle, the joy of Christmas is available because a Savior has been born.
Reflection Question: Do you truly believe that the joy of Christ is for you?
DAY 2 — Joy Rooted in God’s Presence
Psalm 16:11 — “In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Joy is not found in perfect circumstances but in God’s presence. At Christmas, God did not merely send help—He came Himself. Jesus is Emmanuel, “God with us.” When we draw near to Him, we discover that joy is not something we chase; it is something we experience as we walk closely with the Lord.
Reflection Question: What competes with your time in God’s presence?
DAY 3 — Joy in Salvation
Isaiah 12:2–3 — ““Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
True joy flows from remembering what God has done to save us. Christmas is not sentimental—it is salvational. Christ came to rescue sinners and restore broken lives. When joy fades, we often need to return to the well of salvation and remember the grace that first rescued us.
Reflection Question: When was the last time you reflected on the joy of your salvation?
DAY 4 — Joy That Strengthens
Nehemiah 8:10 — “Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Joy is not weakness—it is strength. God’s joy sustains us when life is heavy and endurance is required. It does not ignore pain, but it gives us the power to persevere. As Christmas draws near, let God’s joy strengthen you for the work, relationships, and challenges before you.
Reflection Question: Where do you need God’s joy to give you strength right now?
DAY 5 — Joy in Obedience
John 15:10–11 — "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."
Joy and obedience are deeply connected. When we walk in God’s ways, our joy grows—not because life becomes easier, but because our hearts align with His will. Obedience clears away what robs us of joy and makes room for Christ to reign more fully.
Reflection Question: Is there an area of obedience God is calling you to address?
DAY 6 — Joy That Endures Sorrow
Psalm 30:5 — “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
Joy does not deny sorrow. The Bible acknowledges grief while promising hope. Christmas shines brightest for those who walk through dark nights. Christ came to bring a joy that outlasts pain and assures us that sorrow will not have the final word.
Reflection Question: How does God’s promise of future joy encourage you in present sorrow?
DAY 7 — Joy Made Complete in Christ
Hebrews 12:1-2 — “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Jesus endured the cross because of the joy ahead—the joy of redeeming sinners and restoring what was lost. That same joy now anchors us. As we prepare to celebrate His birth, let us also remember the cross that made our joy possible.
Reflection Question: How does Christ’s sacrifice shape the way you celebrate Christmas?
Kids (and Kids at Heart) Korner
Q: What do sheep say at Christmas?
A: Fleece-Navidad
Q: Why was the snowman looking through carrots?
A: He was picking his nose!
Hope to see you all on Sunday!
Mark