This Week: December 8th, 2024
The Second Sunday of Advent centers on the theme of peace, inviting us to look inward and calm the restlessness of our souls by seeking God through His promises as revealed in Scripture. This journey toward peace begins with trusting in God’s faithfulness, as affirmed in Isaiah 26:3-4: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." God has proven His faithfulness by fulfilling His promises, most notably through the gift of a Savior. Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s peace to humanity, and reflecting on His birth reminds us of the reconciliation between God and mankind (Luke 2:13-14).
However, this peace is not limited to our relationship with God; it must also extend to our relationships with others. In Matthew 5:9, Jesus calls us to be peacemakers, challenging us to seek reconciliation with those we find difficult to love. This season is a time to heal the wounds and brokenness that weigh us down. Holding onto old hurts is like carrying heavy chains that prevent us from fully experiencing the freedom and peace found in Christ.
Forgiveness is not an easy path, and God understands the struggles we face. Yet He has given us a precious gift in the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to do what we cannot accomplish on our own (Galatians 5:22-23). Through the Spirit, we are equipped to release the burdens of bitterness and embrace the transformative peace of God.
By reflecting inwardly and addressing the things that hinder our growth as Christians, we can experience the fullness of God’s promises in Christ Jesus. This peace—rooted in reconciliation, trust, and the work of the Holy Spirit—enables us to become the renewed individuals God calls us to be, living as witnesses to His love and grace.
This Week's Worship Service
When Christ came, the Messiah wasn't the conquering hero that the Jews believed He to be. He came as a servant, humbly, and lowered himself to be like us. Hardly the stuff of hero worship that had existed for many years. But Christ gave us something that was unexpected. Peace. While there will always be wars and rumors of wars, peace can come to those who put their faith in Him.
Luke 2:8-14
This Week's Church Sign Sermon
Inspirational wisdom can come from the simplest of things. So here we offer just a little Jesus as you drive by. We'd love to have you in for a visit.
Online Giving
Rockvale Cumberland Presbyterian Church is pleased to announce the opportunity for our church family and friends to tithe securely online. You can use your credit card, debit card or bank account to securely tithe a love offering or give to our church's ministries such as to our youth program or our building maintenance fund. You can also use the service's app on your Apple or Android device to give. If you chose to do so, you may also select the option to cover the fees the church is assessed for each transaction. Click the button below to make your offering and thank you.
Who We Are
Rockvale Cumberland Presbyterian Church has been a landmark in Rockvale Tennessee since 1889 at a simpler time when church was an integral part of the community. Church members were family that leaned on each other in times of struggle and celebrated together in times of joy. This spirit lives on in our diverse congregation bound together by a love for Christ and for one another. Our motto is simple, 'Whosoever will, is welcome - just as you are', in the manner as Christ said 'Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.' We hope to see you this Sunday morning.
