Welcome to South! We're glad you joined us today! Below you will find some sermon notes and Bible passages, to help you follow along with Pastor Steve's message in a series entitled "Christmas Moments". We hope you will be encouraged by what is taught today.

Anna

Today’s short story identifies a credible messenger with an incredible message. Anna knew that patient trust in Christ paid off – and encouraged others in their waiting. We need to wait and encourage like Anna.

How can we be like Anna?

Be tenacious in building godly character

Invest your years - don't just spend them.

Be timely in speaking to those who need encouragement. (What did she do?)
A. She got close to the Redeemer
B. She was thankful to God
C. She continued speaking
D. She knew her audience

Maintaining and growing in your awe of and love for God is key.

This is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey that involves intentional practices such as…
ENGAGING WITH SCRIPTURE - The more we read God’s Word, the more we come to understand His nature and character.
CULTIVATING A HUMBLE HEART - Humility opens the door to awe of God, as we acknowledge Him as the Creator and ourselves as His creation, utterly dependent on Him.
CONSIDERING GOD’S CREATION - God’s creation displays His great power and incredible wisdom from the vastness of the universe to the tiniest details in biology.
REFLECTING ON GOD’S WORK IN YOUR LIFE - This includes moments of providence, answered prayers, personal transformation, or even small blessings. Recognizing God's presence in the details of your life makes Him more real and awe-inspiring.
MEDITATING ON THE CROSS: The ultimate revelation of God's greatness and love is found in the gift of his Son, Jesus Christ and His powerful work through his death on the cross and his resurrection from the dead.
PRACTICING GRATITUDE - Gratitude shifts our hearts from focusing on ourselves to focusing on God’s goodness and provision, which naturally increases our awe.