Chestnut Ridge Church
The holidays are coming. What’s supposed to be a season of joy and celebration, often is not. We find ourselves distracted by preparations, overwhelmed by expectations, or depressed by our own circumstances. Let’s learn how we can make the holidays enjoyable and meaningful!
We’ll discover how to take a biblical approach to the holidays, and explore how we can be present, keep calm, and survive the season.
Today's Music
Beautiful Day, Raise a Hallelujah, It Is Well, Living Hope
Problem: Other people add to our stress.
Solution: Keep calm and serve others.
“Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” –J.M. Barrie
Mark 10:45 HCSB
Luke 22:25-26 HCSB
John 13:1-11 HCSB
"We must picture the disciples reclining on thin mats around a low table. Each is leaning on his arm, usually the left; the feet radiate outward from the table. Jesus pushes himself up from his own mat. [He] took off his outer clothing and wrapped a towel round his waist—thus adopting the dress of a menial slave, dress that was looked down upon in both Jewish and Gentile circles. Thus he began to wash his disciples’ feet." –D.A. Carson
John 13:3-4 HCSB
"Jesus knew His sovereign authority, His origin, and coming destiny; yet He voluntarily took the place of a slave, washing the feet of His disciples." –E.A. Blum
"In Eastern lands, people used public baths; as they walked in the dusty streets, their feet became dirty. On arriving home, they did not need another bath; they needed only to wash their feet." –Wiersbe
"…this was a task normally reserved for the lowliest of menial servants… Some Jews insisted that Jewish slaves should not be required to wash the feet of others; this job should be reserved for Gentile slaves…" –D.A. Carson
John 13:12-15 HCSB