DECEMBER THEME — FROM CHRISTMAS TO CALVARY – The Story Love Wrote
This Sunday we celebrate that Christ came to be with us—not distant or removed, but present in our broken world and everyday lives. Prayerfully consider inviting family, neighbors, coworkers, or friends, as this may be the greatest gift you ever give them: the opportunity to encounter Jesus. Join us for a sacred and unforgettable Christmas Sunday at 10:30 AM, with no Sunday School so we can come unrushed and make room in our hearts for Him. Together we will gather at the Lord’s Table and worship through glorious Christmas music, remembering that the Baby in the manger is the Lamb who bore our sin on the cross. Arrive a little early, invite someone who needs hope, and come expecting a morning of wonder, peace, and the nearness of Christ.
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
The Cross in the Cradle reveals that Christmas and Calvary were never two separate chapters, but one eternal design written before time began. The manger already carried the weight of redemption, as every detail whispered of a Lamb born to be offered. Before Mary ever held Him in her arms, the Father held the cross in His heart, for Jesus came not to avoid suffering, but to enter it fully and heal it from within. From Eden to Abraham, from Passover to the prophets, Scripture has always declared one message: the Lamb is coming—and He has come. Christmas was not sentimental; it was strategic, heaven’s declaration of war against sin, death, and darkness. The God who did not spare His Son the cradle or the cross will not withhold the comfort, victory, and freedom those moments secured. The cradle teaches us that God steps into low, hidden, and seemingly hopeless places. And even now, the Savior who entered a stable calls us to come surrendered, trusting, and ready to be changed forever.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Friends, would you help me pray about giving a gift that won’t be forgotten by February, but could strengthen a marriage for a lifetime? Even strong, healthy marriages grow best by choice—through intentional moments that renew tenderness, deepen communication, and keep Christ at the center. If the Lord brings a couple to your mind, consider sharing 31-Day Reset for Struggling Marriages—a gift that doesn’t fade with the season, but helps guard and grow what God has built.
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Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
RELEASE ONE PERSON INTO GOD’S HANDS
“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” — Luke 23:34
“Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” — Romans 12:19
One of the heaviest burdens we carry is unresolved hurt, and Scripture reminds us that forgiveness is not optional—it is part of Christ’s redemptive work in us. From the cradle to the cross, Jesus revealed a heart willing to absorb pain so that we could walk in freedom. Releasing someone into God’s hands is not weakness; it is an act of faith that aligns our hearts with His.
Forgiveness Was Always in God’s Plan
The cradle already carried the shadow of the cross—meaning forgiveness was never an afterthought. Jesus was born knowing He would one day absorb not only our sins, but the wounds caused by others. From the beginning, God’s answer to betrayal, cruelty, and injustice was not revenge, but redemption. Forgiveness flows from the heart of God because He understands the weight of pain we carry when wrong has been done to us.
Release Is an Act of Trust, Not Approval
Releasing someone into God’s hands does not excuse what they did, minimize the hurt, or deny justice. It simply means you are no longer willing to let their offense rule your heart. When you forgive, you are not declaring them innocent—you are declaring God sufficient. You are choosing to trust the righteous Judge instead of carrying a burden you were never meant to bear.
Forgiveness Opens the Door to Healing
You do not have to feel forgiveness to begin walking in it. Forgiveness often starts as an act of obedience before it becomes an emotion. When you open the door—even slightly—God steps in with healing grace. Jesus came not only to bear your sin, but to bear the sins committed against you. What you release to Him, He promises to carry far better than you ever could.
Forgiveness begins the moment we surrender our right to hold onto anger and trust God to carry what we cannot. When we release others into His care, we make room for healing, peace, and renewed strength. What you place in God’s hands today, He promises to handle with perfect justice and perfect love.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You carried my sin and my sorrow to the cross. Today, I bring You the hurt I’ve been holding onto. I release this person into Your care and surrender my right to anger and bitterness. Heal what has been wounded in me and guard my heart with Your peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Practical Step: Speak this sentence out loud today, even if your heart trembles as you do:
“Lord, I release ______ into Your care. I surrender my right to carry anger.”
Forgiveness begins not with feelings—but with surrender.
WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Brenda Smith
Tammy Parker – Surgery Today
Betty Hammock
Brando Echarte
Cheryl Knight’s Brother
Debbie Foskey
Don Franklin’s Daughter, Darlene, Son, David
Ed Adkins – Friend of Brian Edwards
Gloria Young
Jake Jenkins
June Cronan
Louise Jackson – Richard’s Sister – Home
Jean Partee’s Sister
Kim McClain’s Daughter, Amanda
Deon Lotter
Doris Loyd
Nancy Brown
Amy Garner’s Dad
Annette Ford
Andrea Nix– Friend of the Shelnutt’s
Angela Bryan’s Sisters
Ann Stanley
Carol Lawhead – Riverside in Conyers
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gayle Sparks
Linda Alexander
James Burnette
Jessica Headrick
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kim McClain’s Mother
Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda
Lee Cronan
Lillianna Magnusson’s Mom
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Mrs. Franklin
Nora Allison
Ron And Johnnie Barry – Friends Of Ashton & Glenda Bateman
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Scott Lanier
Scotty Nix
Stephanie Seivers – Friend of the Shelnutt’s
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher