The Bells Still Ring!
Emmanuel in the Chaos: Finding Light in Life's Cracks!–Matthew 2: 13-23

Sermon Resources

Group Prayer Activity (10 minutes)

Silent Reflection: Take 2 minutes of silence for each person to identify one specific area where they need to experience "Emmanuel—God with us."

Popcorn Prayer: Anyone who feels comfortable can offer a one-sentence prayer about their need or about someone else in the group.

Closing Prayer: Leader prays: Lord Jesus, you know what it means to flee in the night, to face threats, to experience the fragility of human life. Thank you for not staying distant from our pain but entering fully into it. Help us this week to recognize your presence in our chaos, to hear the bells that still ring, and to let your light enter through the cracks in our lives. Give us courage to be honest about our struggles and compassionate toward others in theirs. May we truly know that we are never alone. In your precious name, Amen.

Looking Ahead

For Next Week:

Continue practicing your chosen application
Read the next sermon text in advance if provided
Consider: How have you experienced God's presence in an unexpected way this week?

Group Care: If anyone shared a particularly difficult struggle, arrange a follow-up check-in during the week. Remember: we are called to be the presence of Christ for one another.

Additional Resources

Songs for Reflection:

"It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" (especially verse 3)
"Fairy Tale of New York" by The Pogues
"Anthem" by Leonard Cohen

Scripture for Further Study:

Hosea 11:1
Jeremiah 31:15
Isaiah 11:1
Jeremiah 23:5
John 1:5, 14

Question for Journaling: "Where do I most need to experience Emmanuel—God with us—in my life right now?"

2026 Sermon Resources

Sermon summaries, discussion questions, devotional guides, and practical resources.

Date Sermon Title Speaker Resource
August 23, 2026 Greater-Choosing the Real Over the Counterfeit Christian Washinginton View Resources
August 16, 2026 Love Comes From God - Agape Love: The Behavior Test of True Faith Rev. Greg Pittman View Resources
August 9, 2026 ABLE! - We Are Able: Name, Ability, and Action as Children of God Christian Washington View Resources
July 26, 2026 NAMED: Child of God! - The Identity and Inheritance of God's Children Christian Washington View Resources
July 19, 2026 Living with the Holy Spirit - Life with the Trinity: The Blanket, the Cape, and the Prayer Shawl Rev. Greg Pittman View Resources
July 12, 2026 Destroying the Fear Factor: Walking With Jesus Through Life's Storms Christian Washington View Resources
June 28, 2026 Hearts Burning Within Us: Encountering the Risen Christ on the Journey Deacon Heather Kinkennon View Sermon
June 21, 2026 Living with Our Father / Growing in Love: Living as Children of Our Heavenly Father Rev. Greg Pittman View Resources
June 14, 2026 God is Light / Growing in Love Rev. Greg Pittman View Sermon
May 31, 2026 When Ancient Heresies Meet Modern Hearts: The Timeless Call to Joy and Fellowship Rev. Greg Pittman View Sermon