Faith @ First - December 6, 2024 | Faith@First

Faith @ First - December 6, 2024

Posted by Rev. Nicole Caldwell-Gross on December 06, 2024

This week our family started reading our church advent guide. The scriptures and activities have helped connect our family to the real meaning of Christmas: Jesus. One of the scriptures we read this week described the political unrest and uncertainty that Jesus was born into. Our children were surprised by this background- isn’t Jesus the “Prince of Peace”, they asked?

We shared with them what I’ll share with you: Jesus is the Prince of Peace. But, the peace he offers didn’t erase the conflicts of His time, just as it doesn’t magically remove the struggles we face today. Instead, Jesus brings a peace that the world cannot give. Peace with God, peace within, and the promise of a peace that will one day make all things new.

This Sunday, we’ll reflect on that peace in our message and music. We will create space to unburden our hearts to God and receive the peace of Christ which surpasses all understanding. My prayer is that whatever you or your family may be going through this week, that you may open your heart to receive God’s peace- and most of it all- share it with others.

And So I offer you the prayer we prayed as a family this week:

Lord Jesus,
In this holy season of Advent, I seek Your peace. Calm the storms in my heart and quiet the noise around me. Help me to let go of worry and distraction, so I may fully embrace the hope and joy of Your coming. Fill me with the assurance of Your love and presence, and guide me to share Your peace with others. Let Your light shine through me as I wait and prepare for You.

About the Author

Rev. Nicole Caldwell-Gross

Favorite TV show or movie
Anything Masterpiece on PBS (Downton Abbey, Call the Midwife, Endeavour)

Favorite book
Finding Me by Viola Davis

Favorite music or band
Anything Ella Fitzegerald or Beyonce

Favorite Bible verse, parable or passage
“There is a light in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)

Family
I’m married to Rev. Dr. Jevon Caldwell-Gross and we are outnumbered by our 3 children: Joshua, Olivia and Isabella and our Yorkie: Nina Simone.

Hobbies
Voracious reading, Zumba, Podcasting, Monon Walking, Non-profit board leadership, Writing (New Book The Big Picture: Seeing God’s Dream for Your Life) and Hosting Dinner Parties (Charcuterie Boards are my JAM)!

Where are you from originally?
Originally from the Motor City: Detroit!

Where do you live now?
Noblesville

What do you like most about living there?
I love the pond behind my house where I get a daily reminder of God’s ecosystem of abundance.

What led you to Noblesville First?
God led me to Noblesville First. It wasn’t something I was seeking but God always has a plan that is bigger than we ask, think or imagine.

What do you look forward to most about your new role?
I am most looking forward to GROWING: Growing new relationships, new ministries and new disciples. Let’s GO and GROW people!

What else do you think the congregation might enjoy learning about you?
I have dared myself to go skydiving for my next birthday. Who is coming with me?

When Pastor Nicole's not serving and leading in the local church she’s innovating and connecting with people in God’s largest mission field: the digital space. In 2018 she founded The Well, a virtual community of women that grew to 500 members in 90 days. She has since transformed this community into a podcast, The Well Unfiltered, which has over 1500 downloads and reaches listeners in 6 countries, 12 states and across Indiana. Noting her ability to connect with people in digital and physical spaces, Nicole has been tapped to develop resources and convene conversations with Amplify Media and Abingdon Press. In 2020 she co-authored Justice or Just Us: A Biblical Call to Confront Racism and in 2022 she will release The Big Picture: Seeing God’s Dream for Your Life with her co-author the Rev. Dr. Jevon Caldwell-Gross. While God’s call has led Nicole to Dubai, U.A.E. Calcutta, India, Johannesburg, South Africa and Havana, Cuba, her most meaningful mission field is in Noblesville, Indiana where she resides with her partner in marriage and ministry: Rev. Dr. Jevon Caldwell-Gross. They are outnumbered by their three children: Joshua Alexander, Olivia Grace and Isabella Joy.