Christmas at GFBC
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As we enter this Christmas season, we invite you to join us for Christmas at GFBC, our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, and other incredible worship as we celebrate the arrival of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Christmas Special
December 13 & 14
We’re thrilled to introduce a brand-new event in our Christmas at GFBC season: the Christmas Special! Get ready for an unforgettable night filled with powerful music, both old favorites and new, creative drama, and big moments of production that capture everything we love about Christmas. Every part of the night is designed to point us toward celebrating the newborn King.
Before & after the service, enjoy free hot chocolate, a walk-through Christmas experience complete with live animals, and plenty of photo opportunities you’ll actually want to share.
The service begins at 6:00 PM each evening, and overflow will be available on campus if needed. This is a family service, so GFBC Kids Ministry will not be available.
Following Luke To Christmas
24-Day Devotional
As we enter December, our church-wide 7-Week Fast continues! We are still challenging every member to fast one day a week as we pray for God to move at "Christmas at GFBC."
How the Fast and the Devotional work together:
Daily (Dec 1–24): We read one chapter of Luke together to prepare our hearts.
Weekly (Your Fast Day): On the day you choose to fast, use that day's Luke devotional as your primary prayer focus.
Let the Word of God (Luke) fuel your hunger for God (Fasting) this Christmas.
December 1 | Luke 1
—
S – Scripture
“But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard…Joy and gladness will come to you...” (Luke 1:13–15, NET 2nd ed.)
I - In Focus
(Highlights the central thought for meditation.)
Zechariah looked at his limitations.
T - Theme
(Presents the main takeaway.)
Fear
D - Devotional
(Unpacks the message with insights and relevance.)
Imagine this: you’re simply going about your daily work, following your usual routine, when suddenly—without warning—something extraordinary happens. That’s exactly what happened to Zechariah. He was faithfully performing his priestly duties in the quiet of the temple, lighting incense and offering prayers, when an angel of the Lord appeared before him.
What would you do if this happened to you? Would your heart race? Would you freeze in place? I think most of us would be overwhelmed by fear, just as Zechariah was.
Sensing Zechariah’s fear, the angel spoke four simple but powerful words: “Do not be afraid.”
Why Do We Fear the Unexpected?
Fear is a natural response when we’re caught off guard. It grips us when we feel uncertain, vulnerable, or out of control. The angel’s appearance was not part of Zechariah’s plan that day—and perhaps, like many of us, Zechariah had grown accustomed to the silence of waiting.
But here’s the amazing truth: the angel wasn’t bringing fear, but fulfillment. Zechariah’s prayer had been heard. Though he and Elizabeth were well past childbearing years, God was at work, answering a prayer that Zechariah may have long since stopped believing would ever be answered.
Even in his fear, Zechariah received comfort. “Do not be afraid,” the angel said. Those words weren’t just to calm his nerves—they were a reminder that God was in control, that His plans were greater than Zechariah’s fears, and that He had not forgotten His faithful servant.
O - Own It
(Invites personal application and reflection.)
Are you waiting on God to answer a prayer? How can you continue to serve faithfully, even when you feel discouraged or afraid?
W - Worship through Prayer
(Offers a heartfelt response to God.)
Lord, help me to rise and have no fear (Matthew 17:7) and stay focused on you.
N - Next Steps
(Provides practical ways to live out the message.)
Act: Identify one area of doubt in your life today. Write it down, and write "But God..." next to it as a declaration of faith.
Luke for Littles: Zechariah was scared when he saw an angel, but the angel said, "Don't be afraid!" Have you ever been scared? What helps you feel brave?
Fasting Focus: If today is your fast day, let your physical hunger remind you of your spiritual limits. You can't sustain yourself. Only God can. As you Refrain from food, pray for the "impossible" thing in your life.
December 2 | Luke 2
—
S – Scripture
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man." (Luke 2:52)
I – In Focus
(Highlights the central thought for meditation.)
Jesus grew "vertically" with God before He grew "horizontally" with man.
T – Theme
(Presents the main takeaway.)
Priorities: Your vertical relationship defines the horizontal ones.
D – Devotional
(Unpacks the message with insights and relevance.)
Luke 2 is famous for the Christmas story. We see the manger, the shepherds, and the angels. But the chapter ends with a quiet insight into how Jesus grew up. Verse 52 says He grew in favor with God and man.
Notice the order. Jesus prioritized His relationship with His Father first. He was often found in the temple, focused on His Father's business. Why? Because when our "vertical" relationship is right, our "horizontal" relationships tend to fall into place. But if we flip it, if we worry more about pleasing people than pleasing God, both relationships suffer.
This Christmas you will have a lot of "horizontal" pressure. There are parties, family expectations, and hosting duties. But do not neglect the vertical.
O – Own It
(Invites personal application and reflection.)
Be honest. Are you more worried about pleasing your guests this Christmas or connecting with your Savior?
W – Worship through Prayer
(Offers a heartfelt response to God.)
Lord, in the busyness of this season, help me pause. I want to grow in favor with You first. Realign my priorities. Let my love for people overflow from my love for You. Amen.
N – Next Steps
(Provides practical ways to live out the message.)
Act: Set an alarm for a specific time tomorrow to spend 10 minutes with God before you check your phone or start your "horizontal" duties.
Luke for Littles: Baby Jesus was born in a manger because there was no room for Him in the inn. How can we "make room" for Jesus in our house today?
Fasting Focus: If today is your fast day, use the time you save eating to work on your "vertical" relationship. Spend that 30 minutes in silence with the Father.
December 3 | Luke 3
—
S – Scripture
"Bear fruits in keeping with repentance." (Luke 3:8)
I – In Focus
John’s ministry wasn't always pretty, but it was necessary. He focused on the root, not just the fruit.
T – Theme
Repentance: Getting ready for the King requires cleaning house.
D – Devotional
John the Baptist wasn't a soft-spoken motivational speaker. His ministry was intense. He told people to "bear fruit." He warned about the "wrath to come." He wasn't afraid to get to the root of sin.
Why? Because he was the construction crew paving the highway for Jesus. You can't pave a smooth road over a rocky, broken foundation. John called for repentance because he knew you can't hold onto your sin and hold onto the Savior at the same time.
We all have a ministry role in the Kingdom. Sometimes that role involves the hard work of repentance. We have to inspect our own lives and clear out the debris so Jesus can take center stage.
O – Own It
Is there a "rock" of sin or habit in your life that is blocking the road for Jesus to move?
W – Worship through Prayer
Father, search my heart. Inspect my fruit. If there is any root of bitterness or sin, help me dig it out. I want the road of my heart to be smooth and ready for You this Christmas. Amen.
N – Next Steps
Act: Do a "fruit inspection" of your life. If you find a bad attitude or a sinful habit, confess it to God immediately. Don't wait.
Luke for Littles: John the Baptist told people to share. He said if you have two coats, give one to someone who has none. Do we have any toys or clothes we could give to someone who needs them?
Fasting Focus: If today is your fast day, ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind any sins in your life that are blocking you from growing in the Lord. Let your hunger be a reminder to hunger for righteousness.
December 4 | Luke 4
S – Scripture
"But he said to them, 'I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.'" (Luke 4:43)
I – In Focus
Distractions are everywhere, but purpose provides a "must" for our lives.
T – Theme
Determination: Staying focused on the main thing.
D – Devotional
In Luke 4, everyone wanted a piece of Jesus. The crowds tried to keep Him from leaving because they wanted more miracles. But Jesus said two powerful words. "I must."
He said, "I must preach the good news... for I was sent for this purpose." The word used there means he was "unavoidably determined." He didn't let the good things, like healing people locally, keep Him from the best thing, which was His primary mission.
We need that same determination as we head toward Christmas. It is so easy to get distracted by good things. We get caught up in decorating, shopping, and cooking. But we cannot miss the purpose of the season.
O – Own It
What is your "Must" this December? What is the one thing you have to do to keep Christ in Christmas?
W – Worship through Prayer
Jesus, thank You for Your focus. You didn't let popularity distract You from the Cross. Help me to have that same determination. Keep my eyes on the mission of the Gospel this week. Amen.
N – Next Steps
Act: Identify your biggest distraction this Christmas season (e.g., social media, perfectionism). Choose to say "No" to it today so you can say "Yes" to Jesus.
Luke for Littles: Jesus was tempted to do wrong things, but He used Bible verses to say "No!" What is a Bible verse you know that helps you do the right thing?
Fasting Focus: If today is your fast day, you will feel tempted to eat. Use that moment to practice focus. Say, "I must seek God more than food today."
December 5 | Luke 5
S – Scripture
"Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." (Luke 5:5)
I – In Focus
Obedience often feels illogical before it feels miraculous.
T – Theme
Trust: Obeying when it doesn't make sense.
D – Devotional
Jesus asked Simon Peter to do something that didn't make sense. Peter was a professional fisherman. Jesus was a carpenter. Peter had worked all night. Jesus wanted him to fish in the heat of the day.
Peter’s pride could have easily gotten in the way. He could have said, "Lord, I know what I'm doing." But instead, he spoke the words that open the door to miracles. "But at your word..."
Sometimes Jesus calls us to do things that crush our pride. He might ask you to forgive someone who doesn't deserve it. He might ask you to give generously when money is tight. Logic says "No." Faith says "At your word."
O – Own It
Has God asked you to do something lately that feels "deep" or scary? Are you arguing with Him or lowering the nets?
W – Worship through Prayer
Lord, forgive my pride. I often think I know better. Today I choose to trust You even when I don't understand. If You say "go," I will go. If You say "give," I will give. I am lowering the nets. Amen.
N – Next Steps
Act: Is there a small nudge from God you've been ignoring because it seems inconvenient? Do it today. Send the text, give the gift, or offer the forgiveness.
Luke for Littles: Jesus helped Peter catch so many fish the boat almost sank! Peter decided to follow Jesus right then. If Jesus asked you to follow Him, what would you say?
Fasting Focus: If today is your fast day, your body will tell you it "doesn't make sense" to skip a meal. Let your obedience to the fast be a practice run for obeying God in the bigger things.
December 6 | Luke 6
S – Scripture
"In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God." (Luke 6:12)
I – In Focus
If leaders want to lead well, they must pray well.
T – Theme
Dependence: Big decisions require big prayer.
D – Devotional
Luke 6 records the only time in the New Testament where Jesus prays all night. Why the urgency? Because the very next morning, He had to make a massive decision. He was choosing the 12 disciples.
Think about that. Jesus, the Son of God, didn't rely on His own intuition. He spent hours in communion with the Father before making His move.
How do you handle big decisions? Do you research more than you pray? Do you consult Google before you consult God? As we prepare for "Christmas at GFBC," we need to be a people of prayer. We must ask God to choose who we should invite and how we should serve.
O – Own It
What is a decision looming in your life right now? Have you prayed about it as much as you've worried about it?
W – Worship through Prayer
Father, I confess that I often try to figure life out on my own. Teach me to pray. Before I make my next move, I want to hear Your voice. Guide my steps. Amen.
N – Next Steps
Act: Before you make any decision today (even a small one), stop and pray for 30 seconds first. Practice dependence.
Luke for Littles: Jesus taught us to treat others the way we want to be treated. We call this The Golden Rule. What is one nice thing you want someone to do for you? Can you do that for them today?
Fasting Focus: If today is your fast day, use the "empty" time in your schedule to pray for a specific decision you need to make.
December 7 | Luke 7
S – Scripture
"I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith." (Luke 7:9)
I – In Focus
Faith is trusting in the heart of God, even when you don't see the hand of God.
T – Theme
Confidence: Holding on when things change.
D – Devotional
In Luke 7, Jesus meets two very different people who both amaze Him. One is a powerful Centurion. The other is a sinful woman. They couldn't be more different, but they had one thing in common. Faith.
The Centurion had faith in Jesus' authority. He knew Jesus just had to say the word. The woman had faith in Jesus' heart. She didn't even speak. She just wept at His feet.
C.S. Lewis defined faith as "holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods." Whether you are strong like the Centurion or broken like the woman, Jesus is looking for one thing today. Your trust.
O – Own It
On a scale of 1 to 10, how confident are you that Jesus can handle the biggest problem in your life right now?
W – Worship through Prayer
Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief. Whether I need a miracle of healing or a miracle of forgiveness today, I place my trust in You. You are worthy of my faith. Amen.
N – Next Steps
Act: Write down the biggest problem you are facing on a piece of paper. Then, write "Jesus is bigger" over it. Keep it in your pocket today.
Luke for Littles: A soldier trusted Jesus to heal his servant without even visiting the house! Do you believe Jesus can hear your prayers even though you can't see Him?
Fasting Focus: If today is your fast day, let your fast be an act of "Great Faith." You are trusting God to sustain you. You are declaring that He is real and He is good.
December 8 | Luke 8
S – Scripture
"And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm." (Luke 8:24)
I – In Focus
They thought they had faith until they encountered a storm.
T – Theme
Faith: Believing in the incredible to receive the impossible.
D – Devotional
Augustine once wrote that faith is to believe what we do not see, and the reward is to see what we believe. In Luke 8, the disciples thought they had faith. They were with Jesus, watching Him perform miracles. But then the storm hit.
It is easy to have faith when the sun is shining. It is much harder when the waves are crashing over the bow. The disciples panicked, asking, "Where is your faith?" Someone has said that faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible, and receives the impossible. Today, Jesus wants to calm the storm in your heart before He calms the storm in your circumstances.
O – Own It
Has there been a "storm" recently that made you question your faith?
W – Worship through Prayer
Lord, I confess that my faith often wavers when the storms of life hit. Remind me today that You are in the boat with me. You have authority over the wind and the waves. I choose to trust You. Amen.
N – Next Steps
Act: Memorize a simple prayer for when you feel stressed today: "Jesus, You are in the boat. I trust You."
Luke for Littles: Jesus fell asleep on a boat during a big storm! He wasn't scared at all. When you feel scared, do you know you can talk to Jesus?
Fasting Focus: If today is your fast day, let the "storm" of hunger remind you that Jesus sustains you. You don't live by bread alone, but by His power.
December 9 | Luke 9
S – Scripture
"But who do you say that I am?" (Luke 9:20)
I – In Focus
Jesus is God spelling Himself out in language that man can understand.
T – Theme
Identity: Knowing who Jesus is changes who we are.
D – Devotional
In Luke 9, Jesus asks the ultimate question. He starts easy. He asks, "Who do the crowds say I am?" But then He makes it personal. He looks at His disciples and asks, "But who do you say that I am?"
This is the question that defines our lives. He isn't just a teacher or a historical figure. As S.D. Gordon said, "Jesus is God spelling Himself out in language that man can understand." If He is just a teacher, we can listen to Him. But if He is God, we must follow Him.
O – Own It
Who is Jesus to you? Is He a consultant you ask for advice, or the King you obey?
W – Worship through Prayer
Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. You are not just a good idea. You are my Savior. Help me to live today like You are the King of my life. Amen.
N – Next Steps
Act: Tell someone today (a friend, spouse, or coworker) one thing you love about Jesus. Make your faith public.
Luke for Littles: Jesus fed 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish! If you shared your lunch with Jesus, what would you give Him?
Fasting Focus: If today is your fast day, answer Jesus' question with your sacrifice. By fasting, you are saying, "You are the Bread of Life, more important to me than food."
December 10 | Luke 10:
S – Scripture
"But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion." (Luke 10:33)
I – In Focus
You are never more Christlike than when you feel another's hurt and seek to help.
T – Theme
Compassion: Moving from "seeing" to "serving."
D – Devotional
Luke 10 gives us the famous story of the Good Samaritan. It asks a tough question. What makes you pause? The priest and the Levite saw the hurt man, but they kept walking. They were too busy, too important, or too afraid.
But the Samaritan stopped. It is easy to discuss being a "good neighbor" in theory, but it costs something to be a real neighbor. It costs time. It costs money. It costs comfort. As we head toward Christmas, are you so busy serving God that you have no time to love people?
O – Own It
Who is a "neighbor" in your life right now who needs you to stop and help?
W – Worship through Prayer
Father, give me eyes to see people the way You see them. Break my heart for what breaks Yours. Help me to stop, to look, and to serve today. Amen.
N – Next Steps
Act: Do one intentional act of kindness today for someone who can't pay you back. Be a neighbor.
Luke for Littles: Mary sat at Jesus' feet and listened to Him, while Martha was busy cleaning. Jesus said listening is important. Can we sit quietly for 1 minute and listen to God?
Fasting Focus: If today is your fast day, use the time you would spend eating to "stop" for someone else. Call a friend or write a note of encouragement.
December 11 | Luke 11
December 12 | Luke 12
December 13 | Luke 13
December 14 | Luke 14
December 15 | Luke 15
December 16 | Luke 16
December 17 | Luke 17
December 18 | Luke 18
December 19 | Luke 19
December 20 | Luke 20
December 21 | Luke 21
December 22 | Luke 22
December 23 | Luke 23
December 24 | Luke 24
Christmas Eve at GFBC
Christmas Eve Candlelight is one of the most special GFBC traditions. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to focus on the true meaning of Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through Scripture and song. No GFBC Kids Services will be available.
Holiday Schedule
December 3
Last Oasis until January 7, 2026
December 13 & 14 | 6:00 PM
Christmas Special
More Info
December 21 | 9:15 & 10:50 AM
9:15 & 10:50 Worship Services
No lifegroups
We invite all families to worship together this Sunday!
GFBC Kids Services Available for Babies - 5th Grade
December 24 | 4:00 PM
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
More Info
December 28 | 10:00 AM
One 10:00 AM Worship Service
No lifegroups
GFBC Kids Services Available for Babies - 3rd Grade
January 7, 2026
Wednesday Activities Resume
December 24 - 26
Office Closed
January 1 & 2, 2026
Office Closed
