The Rock Weekly – December 17, 2025

  • Christmas Eve Candlelit Service, Wednesday 12/24 at 3pm. Children’s ministry available for children 6 weeks – 4th grade. 
  • No Sunday Service on December 28th
  • New Year’s Eve Prayer & Worship Service at 7pm in the Lighthouse Prayer Room

Go to www.therock.org/events for information on upcoming events

 

The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us

As I have been meditating on the first chapter of John, I am reminded that at Christmas time, we celebrate far more than a moment in history. We celebrate the greatest revelation God has ever given! The apostle John tells us that before the manger, before Bethlehem, even before creation itself, Jesus already was. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (Jn. 1:1) Through Him, all things were made, and when God spoke light into the darkness, He did so through His eternal Word…Jesus.

Throughout the Old Testament, Scripture tells us that “the word of the LORD” came to Abraham and to the prophets (Gen. 15:1–6; 1 Sam. 3; Jer. 1).  Many believers throughout church history have seen in these moments a foreshadowing of the same divine Word whom the Father later reveals fully in Jesus Christ through John 1 and other scriptures.  These moments prepared God’s people for the day when the Word would no longer come only in visions or messages, but would come wrapped in flesh…Immanuel – God with us!

That day arrived! “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). God stepped into our world. Jesus walked among us and revealed the Father’s love in a way we could see, touch, and receive.

All who receive Him and respond in obedient faith are given the gift of becoming children of God (John 1:12). This means we are welcomed into His family (Rom. 8:15-18), given eternal life (Jn. 3:16), filled with His Spirit (Jn. 14:16-17), and freed from the fear of death (Heb. 2:14-15). Christmas reminds us that God came near so that we might truly know Him.

And as Pastor Andrew wonderfully reminded us last Sunday, Christmas should also teach us to hope. The same Word who came in humility will come again in glory. Scripture tells us that Jesus, the Word of God, will return to make all things right, to judge wickedness, and to reign in righteousness forever (Rev. 19:1-6).

Holy Spirit, as we celebrate this Christmas season, fill our hearts and minds with wonder at the Word of God becoming flesh, and gratitude for the mercy shown to us in Jesus. Help us to worship with reverence and awe (Heb. 12:28) as we await the return of the Word of God. Amen.

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday,
Pastor Marcus and your Rock Staff

 

 

IMPORTANT SERVICE & WEEKLY INFORMATION:

WEDNESDAY NIGHT WORSHIP & PRAYER SERVICE  7:00pm * In-Person & On-Line *
Facebook Live:  https://www.facebook.com/rockchurchco
The Rock Online Livestream:  https://www.therock.org/live/

 

FOUNDATIONS CLASS – 6:00pm Wednesdays
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/99757846764?pwd=Tm8zQ0JQWk1xeHFBcEU5anNFN1l4dz09

 

YOUTH ~ ABIDE YOUTH (6th – 12th Grade) – WEDNESDAY NIGHT – 7:00pm
Invite a friend and come have a great time. If you have any questions, email jaden@therock.org

 

FOOD BANK DISTRIBUTION – 1st & 3rd Saturday of each Month
https://www.therock.org/foodbank/
Email Lindy@therock.org if you would like to volunteer or have questions.

 

SUNDAY MORNING PRE-SERVICE PRAYER  8:15-9:15am – *In-Person & On-line*
ZOOM Direct Video Link:
           https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85340164797?pwd=V0lmWFRRL0R6Tm56QTdRUHNoMWI3QT09
ZOOM Meeting ID: 853 4016 4797
          ZOOM Phone Option +12532158782,,85340164797#

 

SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE 9:45am  *In-Person & On-line*
           Facebook Live:  https://www.facebook.com/rockchurchco
The Rock Online Livestream:  https://www.therock.org/live/

 

OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE  Here are some ways you can partner with The Rock as you practice generosity – our regular tithe/giving, compassion help, missions, and our food bank.  Click on the following link or graphic.  www.therock.org/give

 

Have a Question, Need Prayer, Help, Feel Alone, or Disconnected?

Please email us at family@therock.org and put QUESTION, PRAYER, NEED HELP, or CONNECT ME at the top of your email.