During this time of the year, the days and weeks become increasingly busy. It’s difficult to find the time to stop and be still for any length of time. From Christmas programs to shopping to hosting a family gathering, etc., we can easily become distracted by the festivities of Christmas and material possessions. We know this all too well. What we may forget is not merely “the reason for the season,” but we miss out on what the Advent season fundamentally provides—peace. In Haggai 2:6–9, God promises to “shake the heavens and the earth” so that something far greater than a rebuilt temple will appear: His own glory filling the house. The people of Israel expected splendor in gold and silver, but God redirected their hope to what truly lasts—His presence and peace. At Christmas, we see this promise fulfilled not in a dazzling structure, but in a humble manger, where the “Desire of the nations” arrives as a child. The shaking of the world begins quietly in Bethlehem, as God steps into human history to establish a kingdom that cannot be shaken. The glory of Christmas is not found in decorations, traditions, or abundance, but in Emmanuel—God with us. As we celebrate Christmas this coming week, Haggai calls us to reorient our expectations. Instead of measuring the season by what we have or what we see, we are invited to rejoice in what God has done: He has come near, He has brought peace through Christ, and He is still shaking our hearts to loosen our grip on temporary things. This Christmas, let us find our hope and joy not in fleeting glory, but in the unshakable peace of Jesus, the promised King who fills God’s house with glory forever. –Pastor Nate
Sunday at Liberty
9AM: Bible Training Hour–The Nature & Work of Angels
10AM: Pastor Nate–Peace Promised–Haggai 2:6-9 (sermon notes)
6PM: Christmas Vespers