On December 7, Pastor Jeff McLain kicked off our Advent series, "God Has Come (Hope Has Returned)," exploring the true, lasting hope of the Christmas season.

In a world longing for light, we often chase temporary fixes—like the beautiful, fleeting glow of holiday lights. But the Advent story invites us into a deeper reality: God breaking into human history to bring a permanent light that transforms us.

Sermon Summary: This message, based on Luke 2:1-12, centers on the extraordinary moment God chose the ordinary and the overlooked. We follow the stories of Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, and especially the shepherds—the unseen people God chose first—to discover what it means to be attentive to God's presence.

We'll unpack the core truth of Advent: God has come to the desperate, the sick, and the unseen. Learn why the shepherds' humble encounter with the glory of the Lord is a sign that God is still breaking into your story today. This message reminds us that the Messiah's arrival fulfills ancient promises, bringing a light and hope that cannot be extinguished.

Practical Application: How do we live with open eyes and open hearts? Pastor Jeff shares three practical responses to walk in this transformative light: Practice Watchfulness, Cultivate Reverence, and Share Joy.

Passage: Luke 2:1-12 (NIV)

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Discover how the storms in your life can become the resistance you need to grow your faith, just like the mighty albatross uses wind to soar. Join Pastor Jeff McLain as he explores Mark 4:35-41 on November 30th, 2025, revealing that every storm is a holy work designed to deepen your dependence on Jesus and reveal His complete authority.

In this sermon, "The Holy Work of Storms," Pastor Jeff McLain of River Corner Church offers a unique perspective on adversity, contrasting the disciples' fear during a squall on the Sea of Galilee with the albatross's inherent ability to soar through storms. Drawing on Mark 4:35-41, this message challenges the notion of seeking a storm-free life, arguing that moments of crisis—whether financial, health-related, or spiritual—are divine opportunities. The sermon explains that storms expose our self-reliance, compel us to turn to Jesus, and ultimately serve as the necessary resistance that launches us into deeper faith, reminding us that only Jesus can command, "Quiet! Be still!"

About River Corner Church

River Corner Church is a simple community of Jesus-followers located in East Petersburg, PA, committed to shared listening and participating in God's work together. As a hodge-podge community, we value slowing down our normal rhythms, particularly on Fifth Sundays, to make space for authentic connection and collective growth as we hear God's voice through Scripture, prayer, and one another. Our mission is to live out the way of Jesus by growing in faith, purpose, and belonging, and recognizing that following Him is a sacred journey, even when it leads us into uncomfortable or "stormy" seasons.

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In this message, missionary Menuka Tamang shares her life, calling, and work in the field. She speaks about the challenges of cross-cultural ministry, the faithfulness of God, and the ways the gospel is meeting real needs in her community. Recorded at River Corner Church, her story invites us to pray, support, and participate in God’s mission with humility and hope.

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