DECEMBER THEME — FROM CHRISTMAS TO CALVARY – The Story Love Wrote
This Sunday we celebrate that Christ came to be with us—present, near, and at work in our broken world and everyday lives. Prayerfully consider inviting family, neighbors, coworkers, or friends, as this may be the greatest gift you give them: an opportunity to encounter Jesus. Join us at 10:30 AM for a sacred, unrushed Christmas Sunday of worship and the Lord’s Table, and come expecting wonder, peace, and the nearness of Christ.
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
The Cross in the Cradle reveals that Christmas and Calvary were never separate chapters, but one eternal design written before time began. The manger already carried the weight of redemption, whispering 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 the prophets, Scripture has always declared one message: the Lamb is coming—and He has come. Even now, the Savior who stepped into 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.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
Invite Jesus Into One Dark or “Low” Place
“And she brought forth her firstborn son… and laid him in a manger.” — Luke 2:7
The Christmas story reminds us that God did not wait for perfect conditions to draw near. He chose a stable—rough, overlooked, and unwanted—to reveal His glory. That means there is no place in your life too dark, too broken, or too shame-filled for His presence.
God Is Not Afraid of Our Low Places
If God chose a manger, He is not intimidated by the places we avoid. Jesus stepped into poverty, mess, and vulnerability to show us that divine love does not recoil at human weakness. The areas you try to hide—your failures, fears, and regrets—are often the very places where God longs to meet you. Grace does not ask you to clean up first; it comes precisely because you cannot.
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” — Luke 19:10
Shame Loses Power in His Presence
Darkness thrives in secrecy, but it cannot survive in the light of Christ. When we invite Jesus into the places marked by shame or defeat, those places begin to lose their grip on us. The enemy wants you to believe those areas disqualify you, but the gospel declares the opposite: Jesus enters broken places to redeem them. What you bring into His light, He covers with mercy.
“If we walk in the light, as he is in the light… the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” — 1 John 1:7
God Brings Light by Entering, Not Avoiding
The cradle teaches us that God transforms darkness by stepping into it. Bethlehem was not changed before Jesus arrived; it was changed because He arrived. When you invite Him into the places where you feel stuck or hopeless, you are trusting His power to bring new life where none seems possible. His presence always precedes transformation.
“The light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” — John 1:5
The cradle is proof that God willingly walks into darkness before it becomes light—and He is ready to do the same in your life. “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart.” — Psalm 34:18
Prayer: “Jesus, the One who entered a manger, I invite You into the place I’ve avoided. Enter the area of my heart marked by fear, shame, or struggle. Bring Your light, Your truth, and Your healing. I trust You to do what only You can do. Amen.”
Personal Challenge: Today, identify one specific area you have kept guarded or hidden. Speak it honestly to the Lord and invite Him into it, trusting this promise: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
THURSDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Tammy Parker
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