Lakeside Christian Church Blog

His Light Shines    Psalm 118:27–29 The LORD is God, and he has made his light to shine upon us…You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you. Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!   Scripture Reading – John 1:6-13 As a new year begins, Psalm 118 calls us to step forward with gratitude:  “The LORD is God, and he has made his light shine on us”  (v.27). We do not enter the year guided by our own clarity, but by God’s faithful light. John 1:6–13 reminds us that John the Baptist pointed beyond himself to that Light, Jesus Christ, who shines in the darkness and invites us to believe. Though many did not recognize Him, those who received Him were given the right to become children of God. The new year is not merely about fresh goals or better habits; it is an invitation to live as people shaped by the Light and grounded in thanksgiving. As we look ahead, we do so not with fear or self-rel...

Fourth Sunday of Advent — Love Revealed   1 John 4:9–10 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.   Scripture Reading – John 1:1-5 Love is not an idea God explained; it is a Person God revealed.  “ God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. ”  Advent draws our eyes to the astonishing truth that God’s love did not remain distant or theoretical. It took on flesh and entered the darkness of our world. John’s Gospel echoes this truth as it opens with a cosmic declaration:  “In the beginning was the Word”  (John 1:1). The eternal Word—fully God, Creator of all things—did not remain removed from human suffering. Instead, the Light stepped into the darkness, not to condemn it, but to overcome it. God’s love is revealed not in our a...

Abound in Joy   Luke 2:10–11 Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.    Scripture Reading – Psalm 100   The angel’s announcement in Luke 2:10–11 reminds us that joy is not something we generate—it is something God brings to us. The Savior comes  to  us, not because we’ve earned Him, but because God delights to give His people joy. Psalm 100 echoes this gift: “Make a joyful noise… serve the LORD with gladness.” Joy flows from knowing the Lord, belonging to Him, and entering His presence with thanksgiving. True Christmas joy is not shallow or seasonal—it is rooted in the God who keeps His promises. Christ’s birth means that joy has come down, wrapped in humility, carried in love, and offered freely to all who will receive Him.   Our Advent worship helps shape our understanding of joy.  Hark! The Herald Angels Sing ...

  December 4, 2025 – Abound in Hope Romans 15:11-13 –  And again it says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.” And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Scripture Reading – Psalm 99   Hope. That is the first theme in the season of Advent. Week 1 is a time of waiting, preparation and watchfulness for the coming Messiah. In our passage this week Paul is speaking of the hope that both Jews and Gentiles have. The God of the nation of Israel had a plan for  all the peoples  (Psalm 99:2) to be able to have salvation simply by believing and putting their faith in Jesus.    Psalm 99 is a song of praise to a personal, holy God, The  King  (v. 4) came not to...