Finding - Part 1 [Notes]

The Christmas season often leaves us searching—for the perfect gifts, a way to manage our overflowing schedules, or just a quiet moment to ourselves. But what if the things we truly need this Christmas aren’t found in the hustle and bustle?

This Advent, we invite you to step away from the noise and discover the deeper gifts our hearts long for—hope, peace, love, and joy—all found in Jesus. Join us over the next four weeks as we explore what it truly means to find fulfillment this Christmas season.
Takeaway:  Real hope is found in Jesus.
But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.
 – Isaiah 40:31 (HCSB)
Real hope is found in Jesus.
Real hope is found in Jesus.
  • The basis for our hope in Jesus
I will make you into a great nation, I will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. All the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.
– Genesis 12:2-3 (HCSB)
Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.
– Isaiah 7:14 (HCSB)
The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After His mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly. But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins." Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: "See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name Him Immanuel," which is translated "God is with us." When Joseph got up from sleeping, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her but did not know her intimately until she gave birth to a son. And he named Him Jesus.
– Matthew 1:18-24 (HCSB)
In the darkness we were waiting, without hope, without light.
'Til from heaven You came running, there was mercy in Your eyes.
To fulfill the law and prophets, to a virgin came the Word.
From a throne of endless glory, to a cradle in the dirt.

King of Kings, Hillsong Worship
While we wait for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
– Titus 2:13 (HCSB)
There is reserved for me in the future the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing.
– 2 Timothy 4:8 (HCSB)
Real hope is found in Jesus.
  • The basis for our hope in Jesus.
  • The blessings of having real hope. 
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. You are being protected by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
– 1 Peter 1:3-5 (HCSB)
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand.
– John 10:28-29 (HCSB)
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope.
– 1 Thessalonians 4:13 (HCSB)
To be absent from the body is to be at home with the Lord.
– 2 Corinthians 5:8 (HCSB)
For I know the plans I have for you—this is the Lord’s declaration—plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
– Jeremiah 29:11 (HCSB)
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
– Romans 15:13 (HCSB)
Real hope is found in Jesus.
  • The basis for our hope in Jesus.
  • The blessings of having real hope.
  • The bearers of hope in a hopeless world. 
"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
– Matthew 28:18-20 (HCSB)
"But honor the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you."
– 1 Peter 3:15 (HCSB)
Real hope is found in Jesus.

Discussion Questions // 

  1. What’s a childhood Christmas present you remember wanting more than anything else? How did it feel when you received it—or if you didn’t?
  2. The basis for our hope in Jesus. Real hope is found in Jesus and is based on His birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension, and promise to return. How does this truth help you face the uncertainties of life today? (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:18-24, Titus 2:13, 2 Timothy 4:8)
  3. The blessings of having real hope. Which blessing of having real hope in Jesus resonates most with you—assurance of eternal life, comfort in grief, or hope for the future? Why? (1 Peter 1:3-5, 1 Thessalonians 4:13, Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28)
  4. The bearers of hope in a hopeless world. What does it mean to you personally to be a “bearer of hope” in a world that often feels hopeless? (1 Peter 3:15, Matthew 28:18-20)
  5. Who in your life might need the hope of Jesus this Christmas? Take a moment to think of specific people you could invite to join you for a Christmas service. 

Worship Setlist // 

Your Praise Goes On // You Keep Hope Alive // King of My Heart // King of Kings

Devotional // 

Each week, a new devotional will be available. This devotional is based on the previous Sunday's message, and it aims to take the message further and help you dive deeper into the topic. You can find the devotionals at the link, or sign up to receive weekly emails.

Catch Up // 

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Give // 

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.
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