12/21/25 - Week 4: All I Want for Christmas Is… Love Came Down
Series Big Idea: Every Christmas we make lists — things we want, things we need, things we hope will make life better. But when the wrapping paper is gone and the lights come down, those gifts don’t last. Deep down, what we really long for at Christmas isn’t found under a tree — it’s found in a manger. It’s not things we want most, but the gifts Christ came to bring: Hope for the weary, Peace for the restless, Joy for the brokenhearted, and Love for the forgotten. At Advent, we “unwrap” these gifts week by week, and discover that in Jesus, God has already given us everything our hearts are truly longing for. Week 1: All I Want for Christmas Is… A Thrill of Hope Week 2: All I Want for Christmas Is… All Is Calm Week 3: All I Want for Christmas Is… Good News of Great Joy (Family Worship Service) Week 4: All I Want for Christmas Is… Love Came Down Week 1 – Hope Title: All I Want for Christmas Is… A Thrill of Hope INTRODUCE ADVENT FOOD DRIVE Big Idea: We live in a world that feels weary and dark — but Christmas reminds us that God’s promises are not broken. Hope is not wishful thinking; it is the certainty that God is faithful, that light has come, and that Christ will come again. Scripture: Texts (more Christmas feel): Isaiah 9:2, 6–7 — “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” Romans 15:12–13 — “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace.” Luke 1:26–38 (Annunciation to Mary — hope fulfilled in God’s promise). Lectionary Texts- First Sunday of Advent Old Testament: Jeremiah 33:14–16 Psalm: Psalm 25:1–9 Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 3:9–13 Gospel: Luke 21:25–36 Christmas Feel / Sermon Notes: Begin with the tension: “All I want for Christmas is… hope.” In a world that often feels hopeless, we long for more than gifts; we long for assurance that light is stronger than darkness. Tie to O Holy Night: “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.” The birth of Jesus is that thrill breaking into weariness. Invite the congregation to imagine Israel’s centuries of waiting — then the angel’s announcement to Mary. End with: Hope is not wishful thinking — hope has a name, and His name is Jesus. =============================================================== Speaker – Pastor Mark Borgetti Welcome to Joy! Lutheran Church, Gurnee, IL Our mission: Reach our neighbors with Christ’s love so all lives are changed Newer to Joy! or not sure where to go from here? We would love to get to know you! Digital connect card: https://www.joylutheran.org/get-conne... View our upcoming events: https://www.joylutheran.org/the-conne... Need Prayer?: https://www.joylutheran.org/prayer-re... Facebook Page: / joylutheranchurchgurneeillinois Facebook Group: / joylutheran Give online: https://www.joylutheran.org/giving.html Give online: https://www.joylutheran.org/giving.html