SUMMARY: As we have looked at the letters C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A in our Christmas acronym, we continue on with the letter: “S.”.

APPLICATION: In our study today, the letter “S” stands for “Savior.” It is the reason for the season because it is the fundamental reason why Jesus Christ came to earth. We will explore this awe-inspiring word today.

SUMMARY: As we have looked at the letters C-H-R-I-S-T in our Christmas acronym, we continue on with the letters: “M” and “A.”

APPLICATION: In our study today, the letter “M” stands for “Miracle” and the letter “A” stands for “Abba,” an Aramaic word meaning “dear Father.” These are very significant words as they supply a huge portion of both Christ’s ministry on earth and an incredible consequence of that ministry. We will explore these pieces of that picture today.

SUMMARY: As we have looked at the letters C-H-R-I in our Christmas acronym, we continue on with the letters: “S” and “T.”

APPLICATION: In our study today, the letter “S” stands for “Servant” and the letter “T” stands for “Teacher.” These are very significant words as they supply a huge portion of the picture we have of Christ’s ministry on earth. We will explore these pieces of that picture today.

SUMMARY: Last week we looked at the first two letters that are part of the word “Christmas”: “C” and “H.” “C” stood for “Christ” and “H” stood for “Holy.” As we continue looking at the word “Christmas” as an acronym, we look at the next set of letters: “R” and “I.”

APPLICATION: In our study today, the letter “R” stands for “Redeemer” and the letter “I” stands for “Immanuel.” These are words frequently mentioned in church, especially at this time of year, but what is often lost is the meaning. We will explore the rich meaning of these words in the context of this wonderful celebration today.

SUMMARY: Looking at the word “Christmas” as an acronym, we look at its first two letters: “C” and “H.”

APPLICATION: There are so many ways of looking at the Christmas holidays, but what is often overlooked in all the busyness of the season is what Christmas actually means. Starting today, we are literally going to take that word apart by looking at each individual letter through the filter of a meaning that corresponds to this amazing season.

SUMMARY: At the very end of his time on earth, Jesus confronts Peter to get him to define his love for Christ, and keeps pushing Peter to understand what his love for Jesus must be, and why.

APPLICATION: Saying “I love Jesus” is easy. Living out “I love Jesus” is far more difficult – yet that is the love that Christ commands of his disciples. Our love cannot be based on our own personal comfort but, rather, as copied response to how Christ has loved us. Do we love Jesus? Do we love him with conditions – loving to a point but no more – or do we love without limits, without conditions? We’ll look at these incredibly challenging questions today.

SUMMARY: We conclude the ministry of Christ to his disciples in the Upper Room with his words concerning prayer. He wants the disciples to understand this wonderful, intimate and yet often misunderstood component of their faith.

APPLICATION: Christ has already taught us how to pray. Today we dig a little deeper to find what is the foundation of prayer. What should be our expectations? What should be our perspective? What does he want us to know about prayer? We’ll look at those incredibly important questions today.

SUMMARY: Jesus knew that the disciples would shortly be witnessing some events that would test their faith beyond anything they had previously experienced. Part of these events would be the grief they came to know in seeing them unfold. What did Jesus want them to know and understand about all that was about to happen in a very short time?

APPLICATION: We all have experienced grief. The question is: Can we find joy in the grief? Jesus says we can, and today we’ll look at the incredible opportunity that is ours to claim, no matter the grief. It also has to do with an eternal, heavenly perspective.