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You are here: Home / Archives for reflection

“Praise Party at the Manger” – 2025 Christmas Sermon

December 21, 2025 By Alesha Williams

Sermon Recap: Praise Party at the Manger

Senior Pastor’s Christmas Message (12/21/25)

This Christmas message centered our hearts on a powerful truth: the birth of Jesus was not a quiet, ordinary moment—it was heaven announcing good news and humanity responding with praise. Drawing from Luke’s Gospel, our Senior Pastor reminded us that Christmas is, and always has been, a Praise Party at the Manger.

Luke records that after encountering the newborn Savior, “the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them” (Luke 2:20, NASB 2020). Their response becomes our invitation: when we truly encounter Jesus, praise is the natural overflow.

1. The Publication of Good News

The sermon began with the announcement itself. In Luke 2:9, the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds, interrupting an ordinary night with extraordinary news. Heaven made the first move. The birth of Jesus was not hidden or secretive—it was proclaimed.

When the angels departed, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us” (Luke 2:15). Christmas reminds us that God is intentional about revealing His plan. The good news of Jesus is meant to be heard, shared, and responded to.

2. They Praised Him for What They Heard

Faith begins with hearing. Romans 10:17 tells us, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”The shepherds believed because they listened. What they heard from heaven shaped how they responded on earth.

The message challenged us to consider what voices we are listening to during this season. The shepherds tuned their ears toward God’s Word, and it stirred faith and movement within them.

3. They Praised Him for What They Had Seen

Hearing led to action, and action led to encounter. When the shepherds saw the child just as the angel had described, their praise deepened. Seeing Jesus confirmed what they had been told.

Matthew 2:9–10 echoes this response when the wise men followed the star and “rejoiced with exceeding great joy”upon seeing where the young child was. An encounter with Jesus—whether in a manger or in our daily lives—always produces joy.

4. Praise Him for What We Have Seen

The sermon then turned the mirror toward us. While we were not physically present at the manger, we have seen God’s hand at work. We have seen prayers answered, lives changed, doors opened, and grace extended.

Christmas invites personal reflection: what has God shown you this year that is worthy of praise? Like the shepherds, our testimony fuels our worship.

5. Praise Him Because the Party Is Not Over

The final reminder was joyful and hope-filled: the praise did not end at the manger. Jesus’ birth marked the beginning of redemption, not the conclusion. The same Savior born in Bethlehem still saves, heals, restores, and reigns today.

Christmas is not merely a date on the calendar—it is an ongoing celebration of Emmanuel, God with us. The Praise Party at the Manger continues every time believers lift their voices in gratitude and faith.


Introspective / Journaling Questions

  1. What “good news” has God spoken into my life recently, and how have I responded to it?

  2. In what ways has my faith been strengthened by what I have heard and seen God do this year?

  3. How can I carry the spirit of praise beyond the Christmas season and into my daily walk with Christ?

Filed Under: All Sermons, Blog, Stand Alone Sermons Tagged With: Bethlehem, celebration, Christmas, church, Emmanuel, faith, Gospel, Jesus, JOY, Luke, Manger, Nativity, praise, reflection, Salvation, Scripture, Sermon, Shepherds, worship

“Standing on the Promises of God”

October 5, 2025 By Alesha Williams

Sermon date: October 5, 2025

What a powerful reminder we received from Pastor Williams in this week’s message titled, “Standing on the Promises of God.”

Our focus scripture, 2 Peter 1:3–4, reminds us that God’s divine power has already given us everything we need for life and godliness. Through knowing Him, we have access to “precious and magnificent promises” that strengthen us, sustain us, and set us apart from the world around us.

Pastor shared six (6) key points to help us build a faith that truly stands on God’s promises:

  1. Faith as Our Foundation in Uncertain Times
  2. Focus on the Precious Promises in 2 Peter 1:3–4
  3. Firmly Standing on Faith: Our Response to God’s Promises
  4. Fine Examples of Faith: Biblical, Historical, and Personal Testimonies
  5. Forging Ahead with Practical Steps to Strengthen Our Faith
  6. Finally, Living Confidently on the Foundation of Faith

Each point reminded us that faith isn’t just something we talk about; it’s something we live out. When we choose to trust God, we discover that His promises aren’t just comforting words, they’re living truths that sustain us through real-life storms.

Pastor pointed to so many beautiful examples: Elijah being fed by ravens, the widow whose jar of oil never ran out, the Israelites receiving manna every morning, and Paul learning to be content in every circumstance. We also heard about modern believers like George Müller and Corrie ten Boom, whose stories remind us that God still provides, protects, and performs miracles today. And if we’re honest, many of us could add our own testimonies, those moments when God showed up right on time, sent help through a friend, made provision we didn’t expect, or gave us peace when we couldn’t find it anywhere else.

Pastor didn’t just leave us with inspiration; he gave us practical steps too. To stand firm in faith, we should:

  • Know the promises God has made, get familiar with His Word.
  • Remember past faithfulness, keep a record of answered prayers.
  • Surround ourselves with faith-filled people who speak life.
  • Act on faith, even when the path isn’t clear.
  • Praise in advance, thanking God before the blessing arrives.

When we live this way, we begin to see that God’s promises aren’t distant or abstract, they’re personal. They meet us where we are and lead us where we need to go.

So let’s keep standing, trusting, and believing that what God has spoken, He will perform. 💪🏽✨


Take a few minutes this week to reflect or journal:

  • Which of God’s promises has carried me through a difficult season?

  • Where in my life am I still struggling to fully trust His timing?

  • Who in my circle demonstrates faith under pressure — and what can I learn from them?

  • What’s one way I can “praise in advance” this week?

  • How can I remind myself daily that God is faithful?


    Promises from Scriptures

    During tough times, focusing on specific promises from Scripture can provide comfort and strength. Here are some key promises to keep:

    1. God’s Presence

       – Promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

         (Hebrews 13:5)

       – Focus: God is always with you, even in your darkest moments.

    1. Peace in Troubling Times

       – Promise: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.”

         (John 14:27)

       – Focus: God offers a peace that transcends understanding, even amid turmoil.

    1. Strength in Weakness

       – Promise: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

         (Philippians 4:13)

       – Focus: In your weakness, Christ provides the strength you need to persevere.

    1. Hope and a Future

    – Promise: “For I know the plans I have for you, declare the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

         (Jeremiah 29:11)

      – Focus: Trust that God has a purpose and plan for your life, even when things seem bleak.

    1. Comfort in Sorrow

       – Promise: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

         (Matthew 5:4)

       – Focus: God promises to comfort you in your grief and sorrow.

    1. Help in Times of Trouble

       – Promise: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

         (Psalm 46:1)

       – Focus: You can turn to God for refuge and assistance in your struggles.

    1. Restoration and Renewal

       – Promise: “He will restore the years that the locust has eaten.”

         (Joel 2:25)

       – Focus: God has the power to restore and renew what has been lost.

    1. Victory Over Fear

      – Promise: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

         (2 Timothy 1:7)

       – Focus: You have the power to overcome fear through God’s strength.

    1. Unfailing Love

         – Promise: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end.”

         (Lamentations 3:22-23)

       – Focus: God’s love and mercy are constant, providing hope each day.

    1. Eternal Life

         – Promise: “And this is the promise that He made to us – eternal life.”

         (1 John 2:25)

         – Focus: No matter the trials of this life, you have the promise of eternal life with Him.

    Conclusion

    In challenging times, meditate on these promises, write them down, or share them with others. Let them remind you of God’s unwavering faithfulness and love.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: 2 Peter 1:3–4, bible study, Christian Living, church blog, devotion, Discipleship, encouragement, faith, Flint Texas, Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, God’s faithfulness, God’s promises, hope, inspiration, journaling, life lessons, Pastor Anthony Williams, prayer, reflection, scripture focus, spiritual growth, standing on faith, testimony, trust, worship

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Weekly Meetings

SUNDAYS:   10:00am: Sunday School
11:00am: Worship Service

WEDNESDAYS:   7:00pm: Bible Study (virtually via dial-in number 903-705-1352)

FRIDAYS:   7:00pm: Prayer Call (virtually via dial-in number 903-705-1352)

Physical Address

15876 CR 1113
Flint, TX 75762
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galileembctyler@gmail.com

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 4066 Tyler, TX 75712

Meet Our Pastor

Pastor Anthony Williams

On October 15, 1989, Anthony L. Williams accepted the call as pastor of Galilee Baptist Church. … Read More.

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