Grace, Gratzi, and Glory...

December 14th, 2024

The other day, our dog Gratzi gave us a masterclass in determination. While I was fast asleep, Leigh-Ann heard the Gratzi digging around in the closet where we hide (emphasis on hide) all the kids’ Christmas gifts—and, apparently, Gratzi’s too. Scout’s honor…she sniffed out her present and lost her mind. Barking, pawing, whining—she was ready to tear through the wrapping paper right then and there.

Now, if Gratzi were one of our kids, she’d be in timeout faster than you can say, “Christmas cookie.” But since our house rules are “spank the kids, spoil the dog,” she got off easy. ? Leigh-Ann finally dragged her out of the closet and shut the door. Ultimately, we gave Gratzi her gift early—mostly because we needed a picture for this blog. (You gotta do what you gotta do, right?)

The whole story cracked me up, but it also made me think. Gratzi didn’t know exactly what was in the gift, but she knew it was for her, and she was desperate to get her paws on it. That’s hope in action—a confidence that something good is waiting, even if we can’t see it yet.

This Sunday, we continue our Advent with Isaiah series in Isaiah 40:1-11. The passage is all about the glory of the Lord—God’s greatness and goodness breaking into our world. It’s not some far-off, mystical idea. It’s a reality that meets us in our weakness, just like the shepherds and angels experienced on that first Christmas night.

Just like Gratzi couldn’t help but obsess over her gift, when we catch even a glimpse of God’s glory, hope naturally fills our hearts.

It’s really not that complicated.

We often overthink our faith, but at its core, it’s about trusting that God is exactly who He says He is—and that He’s good.

This Sunday, Jordan Wilbanks will be preaching! Jordan, who has attended New Life for several years with his wife Beverly and their two children, is the director of church partnerships for the Shepherds Fellowship at Midwestern Seminary. I’ve been excited to hear from him ever since we locked in the schedule!

So, whether you’re feeling tired, distracted, or just in need of some joy this Christmas season, I sure hope to see you Sunday at 8:00, 9:15 (Full KidCity available), or 10:45 am (Full KidCity available), or you can watch the Livestream on YouTube (Like and Subscribe) or on our New Life website at 9:15 am. Additionally, we are also publishing our sermons on Spotify.

See you soon,

Troy

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