The time right after all the Christmas fun and festivities; gifts, family, food, and time-off is over. The mountaintop and been scaled; now back to the valleys of life!
A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.
Matthew 2:18
In our texts today we discuss a horrific event just a few years into the birth of Jesus – His family fleeing to Egypt and the slaughter of male children two and under in the region of Bethlehem.
It is hard to fathom the pain and anguish!
Wasn’t the coming of Jesus supposed to bring forth “joy for all people?!” Wasn’t it to usher in blessings instead of curses like these? Wasn’t He to being life instead of death?
We ask questions like this now, too.
If we are believers in the King of kings and Lord of lords, why is life such a mess? Why am I such a mess?
Of course we know the answer: although Jesus conquered sin, death, and the Devil, they are still in this world and with us until Jesus returns. Although they are still enemies, they are defeated, but still inflict as much pain and anguish as they can.
Rather than focus on the pain and suffering, we focus on the Savior who is victorious over them and confidently cry “Abba! Father!” to the Almighty who hears and loves us. When bogged down in the cesspool and sin, we are attached to the One who saves and sanctifies.
Let us enter the valleys of life as we scaled the mountaintop of Christmas – with joy and confidence, knowing who we worship – the newborn King!
“Lord Jesus, thank You for coming humbly to us, born in the flesh save us from ours. Help us to remember to look to You, not just in the joy of Christmas, but also as the Victor in the valleys! In Your precious name, Jesus. Amen!”
Tonight is the culmination of our series, “Coming Home for Christmas.” It all comes down to this. To HIM; born for us!
For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
Isaiah 9:6-7
May the Lord bless your celebration of the birth of the Savior, Jesus: our Light Who leads us to our everlasting Home!
The Lord has richly blessed “Bible Adventure” in 2025! The “‘In-Home’ study of the Chronological Bible” in one year helped 21 people grow in His Word. Response to the study was exceptional with an average of almost 16 in weekly attendance throughout the year.
The “Bible Adventure” will continue in the Spring, 2026 with an 18-lesson study of the Book of Romans.
A study guide from the “Joy of Living Bible Studies” series will be used to enhance personal and group study.
LifeBridgers are welcome and encouraged to participate in this next “Bible Adventure!”
WHEN:
Starting January 13, 2026 6:30 – 8:00 PM
WHERE:
Fait Home: 205 Brazos Hill Lane
WHO:
All (18 to 98!) (Childcare not provided.)
CONTACT/RSVP: (So book may be ordered.)
Robert 713-906-3641 // robfait51@gmail.com
Debbie 281-732-1209 // debbiefait@gmail.com
Join us as we continue to grow in His Word though this exception book and clear proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus!
We have three options this year for you to answer that question!
Then Jesus Came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
GraceWorks Alaska
Background
For those called to Mission but not to Africa, there is another opportunity!
Amy (who was on our team), has been a leader with GraceWorks Alaska a couple of times now. When I (Angie) came back from Kenya and shared a few stories with the Battle group a few of the youth expressed wanting to go on a trip. So, I gathered more information.
You have to be 12 years old to go on the GraceWorks Alaska trip.
It would be best for an adult (parent/grandparent) to attend with the youth partner. (Think of it as a trip to service alongside them!)
In addition to this you can attend as an adult without a youth as well.
PRICE
Pricing is $850 per person to GraceWorks and estimated flight is around $1,700 per person.
Trinity Ablaze in Kenya
Vision Clinics
Trinity Klein and other participating churches address both the spiritual needs and physical vision of Kenyans through short term mission trips.
Our mission teams conduct vision clinics while spreading the Word of God to all who attend.
A single team of eight can reach hundreds of people in a single week, giving each visitor clear vision of Jesus Christ’s healing plus providing eye care through onsite services and materials.
You must be 18 years old to take part in this opportunity.
A Passport and Visa/E-Visa will be required.
PRICE
$800 -$1,600 to Trinity Ablaze in Kenya covers all accommodations and transportation. Also covers Breakfast and Dinner. Lunch is TBD by the location that you are stationed.
Air fare is not included.
They do ask that we book the same flights into Nairobi and out of Nairobi. Depending on when you book your flight, it will likely be $1,600-$2,400.
Starfish Kenya
Care and Education for Children
Starfish Kenya currently partners with two organizations in Kenya. Both House of Hope and St. Anna Care Centre are able to provide care and education for children through our financial support and partnership.
Activities and Opportunities for Serving:
Leading a small group of students
Play sports, games, puzzles, etc.
Share your testimony
Give the message (evening devotional or Sunday morning)
Join or assist in leading Praise and Worship
Lead or assist with a Bible Study or Workshop with Adults
Lead a high school workshop
Share skill or talent (dance, music, cooking, art, etc.)
Assist in taking individual and class photos of students for sponsors.
There is not age limit, as long as a parent accompanies them and they are both willing to serve. Youngest that has ever gone was 10.
A Passport and Visa/E-Visa will be required.
PRICE
Projected trip cost is $3,400-$4,000, which will include airfare, lodging, ground transportation, meals in Kenya, travel medical insurance, safari, meeting supplies, etc.
MONTHLY TEAM MEETINGS
Team meets at Gateway Community Church once a month on a Sunday from 12:30-3:30 PM.
LifeBridge Community Church 2162 FM 2187 Rd, Sealy, TX 77474
Saturday, January 31, 2026
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Meal, snacks & drinks provided
Join us for community building, ASL, fellowship, and outreach
Purpose of Workshop
This workshop helps hearing friends meet and learn with Deaf people. You will learn how to communicate better with Deaf friends.
Most Deaf people in the world (about 98%) do not know Jesus. In Texas, about 345,000 Deaf people have not learned about Him yet. Many Deaf people are hard to find because they mix with hearing people.
You will learn:
Basic ASL signs
Deaf culture and community
Bible stories with acting
This workshop helps our church communicate better with Deaf members and share God’s love with more Deaf people.