December 14, 2025

You can find the order of worship and songs here.

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It may seem very odd to think about God's wrath during the Advent season. Christmas, after all, is about God's love, isn't it? What does God's wrath have to do with God's love? But God's wrath and love are inextricably tied. And if we are humble before the God who judges, we will find him to be the God who saves.

Isaiah 35 is a beautiful chapter that looks forward to the Messiah. "He will come to save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy." However, this good news is preceded by a stunning declaration of God's rage in Isaiah 34. Why? God burns with wrath because his people are oppressed. And God does not make peace with those who oppress his children. What parent would? Thus God sends judgment. What has taken mankind countless years to build, God will destroy in one day. God will reduce the glitzy achievement of sinful mankind to nothing. The bustling cities and cultivated gardens will become abandoned mass graves fit only for wild animals.

But hope arises out of death for God's people in Isaiah 35. "The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad … Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees … Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come to save you … the eyes of the blind shall be opened …" God will reduce the sinners to nothing and their proud achievement will become a wilderness. But God heals the hurts of his people. This is what Jesus did! With his coming every trace of darkness, chaos, emptiness, and meaningless begin to disappear.

Our life often feels like a wilderness. The wilderness is where we lose our bearing because we cannot see the well-trodden path to follow. But God makes a way: 35:8 "And a highway shall be there…" The "highway" is literally raised high above the surrounding to be unmistakable. Where we see no path before us, God will make a way. "And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing…" We are the redeemed and our redemption is everlasting and complete: "everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." This is the promise God gives us in Jesus Christ. What is your problem? Give it to Jesus. What is your need? He will meet it. What is your burden? Lay it on his shoulders. In Jesus hope arises out of death and joy out of sorrow.

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Growth Resources

This year: Please see the full list of 2025 books as well as Bible reading plans on our church webpage.

In December we are reading "The Dawn of Redeeming Grace: Daily Devotions for Advent " by Sinclair Ferguson.

Everyday: Noted pastor and theologian Sinclair Ferguson posts a short reflection every day, each around 5 minutes long. "Things Unseen" cover various aspects of the Christian life, worship, and theological topics in a very accessible and edifying way. We encourage you to incorporate this into your daily life. Please see this page for more information. There you will find links to various podcast platforms as well as YouTube page.

Announcements

Thank you for your continued support of Grace Fallbrook (PCA). Your loving support makes the proclamation of the gospel and the building up of the saints possible. Please visit gracefallbrook.church/give and click on "Give Online Now." You will be directed to the PCA Foundation where you can give towards Grace Fallbrook (PCA).

12/14 (Lord's Day): Advent Carols and Celebration.

This Week's Prayers

Please email your prayer request by Thursday to include it in the list for the upcoming week — info@gracefallbrook.church