​Hey All…


I’m sure you’re like us in the Eads house with a ton of activity surrounding the Christmas weekend. SO…I’ll keep this super, super short today:


·      Christmas Eve is Sunday!! We have two opportunities for you to celebrate as a church family:


o   Sunday morning, 10:00 a.m., we will hold our regular Sunday worship experience, but a tad abbreviated and a bit more laid back:
§  We’ll aim for just an hour or so; the kids will stay with us for the whole service.
§  Instead of a traditional teaching time, Pastor John Zoller, Chris Bowen, and myself will “co-teach” via sharing some fun ideas and challenging thoughts about the real power of Jesus in the manger!


o   Sunday evening—5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. two identical Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship services in the historic and beautiful Mt. Hope sanctuary.
§  Invite your friends and family—we will tailor all our comments to be very relevant and engaging for the unchurched.
§  Nursery will be available for children 0-4 years old at the 5:00 service only. Please click here to RSVP your child so we’re sure to be properly staffed!
§  We expect the 5:00 service to be full, so if you’re flexible, please consider 6:30 as an option!
§  Oh…and yummy: Emily Firestone’s world-famous chocolate chip cookies and Chris Nicholson’s epic hot cider will be featured between services…stick around or come early! Yum!!


·      Be sure to check out this week’s Mt. Hope Prayer Experience video… Gordon Albert shares this week’s testimony. He is passionate in prayer and God has moved miraculously many times with him. Click here to watch!!


OK…that’s it for everybody… let’s celebrate Jesus Christ this weekend! Here we go...


Much love to you all…


Chris Eads
Mt. Hope Pastor
Friend

​Hey All…


That doesn’t sound very nice, now does it? Didn’t you play that game with each other when you were kids? You’d prank your brother or sister or friend on the playground… an unsuspected trip, or push, or shove. It was great fun, was it not, to pull the chair away from your buddy right before he sat down and cause him to stumble? Or am I the only childhood hoodlum reading this email? As we mature, we learn that pranks intended to be funny can hurt people, so we stop the shenanigans and act more civilized. So, when it was said that Jesus would trip you on purpose…um… what???


Oh, you didn’t read that in the Gospels? Well…let me show you… in Deeper Thoughts below.


But first…


·      Next Up: Christmas Eve!! Invite your family and friends to join us on Sunday, December 24th for a wonderful day of Christmas celebration:


o   10:00 a.m. Sunday morning – a simple and laid-back experience as we worship and share together as a church family.


o   5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday evening – two identical candlelight Christmas Eve services to usher in the Advent of Jesus, complete with a worship choir, special music, relevant teaching, and beautiful candlelight worship.


o   IMPORTANT: Have you noticed that we’re getting pretty full these days around Mt. Hope? Based on historic patterns, we are expecting the 5:00 p.m. service to run out of space. We’ll have a small video overflow room set up, but if you have any ability to make your plans to attend the 6:30 p.m. service, it would be helpful to balance the building’s capacity.


·      Don’t forget to spend some time with our weekly Mt. Hope Prayer Experience videos. Click here to see Sandra Cravens share her journey with prayer!


OK, it’s pretty simple today for you email skimmers and you who have never pulled a prank. Ever. BUT…




Some Deeper Thoughts…


I can’t even begin to explain myself or defend it. It made absolutely no sense, nor do I have any idea what I was thinking.


It was move-in day, freshman year of college. I was rooming with a high school buddy of mine and one other fellow we’d never met. We had all three settled our belongings into the dormitory room that was just a tad smaller than my current closet at home. And now it was time to go to dinner. I guess we were all nervous, being college freshmen and never out on our own before. My buddy was sitting on the edge of the bed tying his shoes, and for a split second, I thought it would be funny to kick him in the side of the head. My teenage impulses proved stronger than my humanity, so I fulfilled the idea. Hard.


He did not think it was funny.


(Nor do I, now. “Boys will be boys,” as the saying goes, surely has its roots in such ill-conceived tomfoolery!)


You probably missed where Jesus engaged in similar mischief in the Gospels. You’d be correct—I can’t think of anywhere where Jesus is said to have kicked his buddy in the side of the head just for kicks and giggles (did you see what I just did with that?).


But there are a few places where it was said of Jesus that he would trip people up.


On purpose.


And it wasn’t a prank.


It had to have been an overwhelming and magnificent day. Jesus was just five weeks old. Mary and Joseph took him to the temple to dedicate him to God as the Law of Moses prescribed. Just seeing the grandeur of the temple alone would have been a bewildering sight for this simple backwoods couple from the hill country some ninety miles to the north. Add to it all the big-city sights, smells, and sounds. Then in the temple, the choirs and incense and pomp and circumstance. Oh, what an experience!


An old, saintly man approached them. You’ve probably met a man like this before—you can just tell he knows God. The sweetness of his spirit. His gentleness. Yet his eyes fierce with passion and clarity. His name was Simeon, and the scriptures record that “the Holy Spirit was upon him” (Luke 2:25).


As he took the baby Jesus in his arms, he declared that his eyes were seeing the salvation of all mankind, that peoples from all over the world would see a great light, and that Israel would once again be glorified.


“The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him,” Luke records. (Luke 2:33).


And then he told them that Jesus would intentionally trip people.


“Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother: ‘This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that is spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.” And just in case those words weren’t troublesome enough, he capped them off with a direct word for Mary: “And a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:34-35).


These are the parts we leave out of the Christmas story because they don’t match the warmth, beauty, comfort, and peace with which we associate this season. In the words of one commentator, the story of a precious baby in a manger “has in it an unexampled loveliness” that we “revel in…with a kind of pleasant satisfaction.” Babies are innocent, precious, lovely. Even more so a baby born with such joyful announcement that drew the attention of angels, shepherds, Magi, and aged saints.


But the reality of what Jesus had come to do was anything but warm and peaceful.


“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth,” the adult Jesus would later say. “I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34).


Say what?? The angels had proclaimed the night of his birth, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men…” (Luke 2:14). So, which is it? Peace or a sword?


Or is it both?


This Sunday, we’re continuing our Advent teaching series called, “Would You Like a Savior?” We are looking at what a savior really is, and from what we need to be saved. Simeon prophesied that Jesus would cause people to trip and fall (read Luke 2:25-35). So did the prophet Isaiah (read Isaiah 8:13-17). The Apostle Peter echoed the sentiments after he had known and lived with Jesus for several years (read 1 Peter 2:4-8).


In the course of saving us, Jesus intends to trip us up. It is not to be a prank. It is not to hurt us. It is to ultimately bring us the peace and joy of his salvation. But it requires that we bump into--and sometimes trip over—some very important truths.


Shall we meet on Sunday and explore them together?


He loves you far more than you can ever imagine. Sherri and I are following Him in loving you too…for you are so greatly worth it….


Chris Eads
Mt. Hope Pastor
Friend

Hey Everybody…


We learned last Sunday that when Jesus came to “save his people from their sins,” it was SO much more than simply a rescue from the eternal consequences of our sin. We learned that God’s salvation for us is a “material rescue from all danger and harm.” Wouldn’t you like to be saved from all manner of danger, suffering, and harm? But are there limits to this for you? Are there corners in your life that you’d simply prefer the Savior stay clear of? I’d like to explore with you a radical rescue Jesus wants to perform in your life and mine. For many, this might just be in the “off limits” category. I’ll explain more in Deeper Thoughts below.


But first…


·      Are you ready for some yummies and fun?? THIS Sunday night, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. join us for a delicious potluck fellowship dinner, live nativity, and lots of friendship. Chris Nicholson’s world-renowned pork loins will lead the festivities. You’ll bring some additional sides and desserts--Click here to let us know what you’re bringing!


o   A live nativity with alpacas, mini goats, and the real Mary & Joseph can be the backdrop for your family pictures and are sure to thrill the kiddos… and adults…


o   And then… around 6:15 or 6:30-ish, we’ll gather in the sanctuary for a super-fun Christmas Pageant presented by our kids and teens!


·      Make plans and invite friends for Christmas Eve at Mt. Hope! On Sunday morning, December 24th, we’ll have a simple and meaningful family service. Then, in the evening, two candlelight worship celebrations, 5:00 and 6:30 p.m.


·      Oh…and don’t miss our continued Mt. Hope Prayer Experience testimony videos… this week, Al Villaflor shares his experience with prayer; the last two weeks Sherri shared hers, and I shared mine as well. Click our names to see those videos!


OK…that’s it today for you email skimmers and you who have no hard corners for God to poke around in. BUT…




Some Deeper Thoughts…


We have all been hurt. At least once.


Some hurts are minor. Simple disappointments, subtle rejections, a biting word, mistakes and miscommunications. These get under our skin for sure. They burn a bit, but we typically get over them without much fanfare as time moves on. Occasionally--perhaps rarely—we will have the tough conversation with those who hurt us, and a new and healthier relationship can emerge.


But then there are hurts that mark us profoundly. Sometimes permanently. A harsh and stunning betrayal. A deep offense. Destructive and harmful behavior. These are the stories that are terribly difficult to name: Abandonment. Abuse. Adultery. Addiction. Assault. Alienation.


For most of us, at least one deep wound is in our story. We keep it very well hidden. But it is there, quietly lurking layers below the surface. We don’t think about it every day. But subtly, quietly, imperceptibly, it still has energy and drives much of our emotional life.


Would you like a Savior from this?


What happens when we are deeply hurt is extremely common. But it is emotionally and spiritual paralyzing all the same. It eats away at our self-confidence. It leads us to walk on eggshells in any situation that feels remotely similar. It drives us to avoid certain relationships or certain situations for fear of being wounded again. It can torment us with unforgiveness, bitterness, or anger. It simmers and then manifests in irritability, emotional unavailability, and anxiety.


But it doesn’t have to be this way. Wouldn’t you like a Savior from this?


For many, this is in our “off limits” category not because we wouldn’t like to be free of it. We know it is quietly killing us. But the thought of being delivered from it seems wildly impossible and far too difficult to confront. Even God seems incapable to fix it. He certainly wasn’t there to save us from the hurt before it happened--or so it seems—so how could He possibly help us now?


“Ummm… Chris… you’re killing me, bro. Did you have to bring all this up today? Isn’t the Christmas season supposed to be about joy, and peace, and hope??”


There was a Savior born in Bethlehem. When God announced this Savior, His message was clear: “[Mary] will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).


Your sins are forgiven. You get this, right? So how can this be a “material rescue” from the impact of all the hurts and wounds that others have wrought in your life?


Your sins are forgiven. Check. But how about theirs?


At the root of every deep hurt is somebody’s sin. Sometimes it’s multiple people’s sins. Sometimes it’s our own sin. Sometimes it’s a combination of their sins and my sins. Sometimes we are purely innocent, and they alone have sinned.


And Jesus has come to save us—to “materially rescue us”—from all of it.


SO…if you’ve read this far and haven’t bailed on me yet, can I ask you to come just a little bit further? This Sunday, I want to show you Jesus. I want to show you how Jesus rose above all the profound and desperate hurt he encountered, and how he can rescue you from yours. I know it’s not really the mood we would prefer for Christmas. But I bet for a lot of us, these things Jesus wants to rescue are indeed lurking below the surface no matter how joyful the Christmas songs, how yummy the cookies, how beautiful the decorations, how exuberant the celebrations.


I’ll give you just one reading assignment before Sunday, and then let’s go there. It will be joyful--I promise—for the joy of deliverance will be the greatest Christmas gift you could ever receive. The freedom, the abundance, the comfort, the peace that will explode as you receive salvation from this deep wound… Oh… it’ll be awesome!


Read this: Matthew 2:1-23. Do you notice the part of the Christmas story that we typically leave out of all the musicals and carols? (** Parents, see a special note below my signature line.) It’s right there in verse 16-18. Its impact was every bit as profound as anything you’ve encountered in your life.


And Jesus rose above it. Way above it. Let me show you how.


Oh, beloved… we have a Savior! Let’s invite him into our deepest corners and find His victory. This will be SO good…


(BTW…Looks like a rainy Sunday in the forecast… c’mon anyway… we’ll have umbrellas, the heat will be on, and the coffee hot!!)


Much love, joy, and peace…in Jesus!!


Chris Eads
Mt. Hope Pastor
Friend

Hi All…


It is spray painted on nearly every highway overpass between here and Indianapolis. It is held up on poster boards at NFL football games. It is scrawled in chalk on railroad freight cars across the nation. It is even tattooed on the biceps of a fair number of brawny faithful. It is the phrase, “Jesus Saves!” But what does this mean? Jesus saves from what? Do I need to be saved from anything? Careful here… beware of just glazing past this as one who has declared themselves to be a Christ-follower. Don’t just “check the box” that you already have all that needs saved because you have confidence in your eternal destiny. Let’s look a little closer in Deeper Thoughts below.


But first…


·      Are you ready for some Christmastime fun? Our annual Mt. Hope Christmas Party and Christmas Pageant is NEXT Sunday, December 10!


o   Potluck fellowship dinner from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Chris Nicholson’s world-famous pork loins will be our main dish; we need your help with the sides, drinks, and desserts. Click here to sign up for what you can bring!


o   From 6:30 – 7:15-ish, our Kid’s Connect and our youth ministry are teaming up to bring you a fun celebration of Christmas in drama and song. A live nativity will be a part of the evening as well… Ryan Sauder’s beloved llama doppelganger returns this year!


o   Parents, please note we have rehearsals both tomorrow (this Saturday) and next Saturday. Ping Chris Bowen for details—240-422-6287.


·      Not enough Christmas fun for you? Ladies… on Saturday, December 9, you’ll be getting together for cookies, tea, and crafty gift-making, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Click here for info and RSVP!


·      And lastly (for now…), mark your calendars for Christmas Eve candlelight services 5:00 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, December 24. We’ll also have a low-key Sunday morning worship service at our normal time Christmas Eve morning.


OK, that’s it today for you email-skimmers and you who don’t have anything in your life that needs fixed. BUT…




Some Deeper Thoughts


It was shouted by the angels to a rather unsuspecting crowd. Not only did it startle them; it downright freaked them out.


They likely hadn’t bathed in weeks. That’s an irrelevant and smelly point to our story except to set the stage that these were roughneck fellows working a hard manual job devoid of most creature comforts. If they had a family, they likely saw them only a night or two every week or more. Romance, family dinners, or attending their children’s events were cherished moments precious few times per year.


Some scholars suggest they were known as “Bedouins,” a nomadic sheep-tending people who wandered the deserts of North Africa, Arabia, and Mesopotamia, most notable that they may have been Arabs—a people often antagonistic towards the Jews. Other scholars consider that these were just Jewish local boys from Bethlehem tending flocks on neighborhood farms.


Whether they were Jewish or Arab is unknown. But we do know they were the least likely to be the heralds of important news. And yet God chose to surprise them with the most important message of all time.


“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born,” the angels declared. It was “good news of great joy that will be for all the people,” they said.


Did you catch it?


“Good news… that will be for all the people.” That means you. It means me.


So, what do you need a Savior for? What needs to be saved in your life?


The concept of salvation implies a rescue. In the New Testament, it is the Greek word “sozo”, which means “material deliverance from danger and suffering.” It is a complete and thorough rescue from all that brings harm.


If you grew up in a Bible-teaching church, you have been relentlessly encouraged to receive Jesus as your “personal savior.” I am certain that a vast majority of you who read this newsletter have done just that—put your faith in Jesus as the Son of God who forgives all your sin and will take you into heaven. We have been “rescued from our sin” by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.


This is all absolutely biblical and very good. You should be certain you have “checked that box” and trusted Christ to save you from your sins. (If you have not, let me know…I can help you do that!)


But is this all that needs saved?


I desperately need a one-way ticket to heaven, to be sure. With the death rate right at 100% for my kind, I need the bedrock certainty that none of my deep-seated sin issues will trip me up when my time has come and I see those proverbial pearly gates. And thanks be to God, He has given me this certainty in the baby born in Bethlehem who would later atone for all my sins.


But there are a few other lingering and pesky problems in my life that could use a little help. How about you?


How about your anger, frustration, sadness, and fear? None of these are sins in and of themselves; they can lead to bad choices, but these painful emotions are normal, not wrong. Or how about loneliness? Or stress and anxiety? Or boredom? Or self-loathing? Or your gripping sense of insufficiency, insecurity, and insignificance?


Could you use a Savior in these matters in life?


This Sunday, we begin our four-week Advent celebration—advent meaning “the arrival of a notable person or event.” When the angels declared to smelly shepherds that a Savior had been born nearby, a notable person had very much arrived.


But as we study this, let’s look carefully at what needs to be saved. “Would You Like a Savior?” is our Christmas teaching series. Let’s go deeper than the traditional and predictable narrative of the baby, and Incarnation, and Joseph and Mary, and shepherds and wise men.


Let’s talk about you and me. Do we not only know salvation from our sins and a free ride to eternal bliss, but do we also know the complete and thorough salvation of everything broken within us? Can a baby born in a Bethlehem stable really fix the long list of ills that haunt my daily life? And yours?


Come with expectant and open hearts this Sunday. Let’s see what God might be able to do.


Sherri and I cannot wait to see you and share our love for you.


Chris Eads
Mt. Hope Pastor
Friend