Simeon (and Anna) had waited so long for God's Promised One. Simeon had been promised that he wouldn't die without seeing the Messiah. When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple, the Spirit affirmed that Jesus was God's Chosen One. Simeon believed and rejoiced because God keeps all of His promises, from least (the personal one) to the greatest (for all people). We have a reason to rejoice because Jesus shows that God keeps all of His good promises for His people.

The shepherds had been told all their lives they didn't belong, especially in the presence of God. The angels had an invitation to the shepherds that a savior had been born to them and they were welcome to meet him. This is why the angels burst into song and its the reason the shepherds went home praising God. God welcomes us, despite who we are or what we've done. He wants us to come close to Him, which is all the reason we need to celebrate!

Elizabeth and Zechariah have felt the weight of unmet expectations and unfulfilled hopes on many levels. God promises to give them a son in their old age. This son will prepare the way for the Messiah. After John is born, Zechariah praises God for his redemption and rescue, specifically from sin, which is our reason to rejoice in Christ, too.

After Mary receives news of what God is going to do, and when she's greeted by Elizabeth, Mary rejoices over how God has been mindful of her in her humble state. For her, Israel, and all people, God cares deeply about our needs and came to meet them all in Jesus.

God invites us to look at ourselves through His lens and not ours. We are chosen, royal priests, holy, and God's special possession. Once we understand how God see us and who we are in Christ, it gives us a clear identity and purpose: We are people who belong to Jesus and bring others to Him.

James 2:14-26; giving examples or faith in action from throughout the book. If we truly believe in Jesus and are filled by the Spirit, our lives should be radically transformed. It should affect the way we treat the poor, think about wealth, use our words, respond to suffering, deal with temptation, and so much more.

Paul writes a letter to another pastor and dear friend, Timothy. In this letter, we see how we can each do our part to help the church reach its potential. In this message, we look at how the church is at its best when we preserve the truth of the Gospel, pray for others, provide care for each other, protect each other's dignity and partner with God through generosity.

The return of Jesus is the secure hope that one day all the brokenness of this world will be restored for those who believe in Jesus. This should give us the strength we need in order to keep living for Jesus and loving others, even when life is really hard.

Colossians 3:1-17; applying the household instructions in the conclusion to show that the Gospel should have its greatest impact on the people closest to us. It is critical that we do not return to the sins that Jesus died to set us free from. Jesus has changed our status before God, and that change just also be evidenced in the way we live for Him.

Philippians 2:1-11; with references to the living examples of Timothy, Epaphroditus and Paul. Jesus brings the Good News of God's love, mercy and kindness into the flesh by surrendering to God the Father. The same thing happens when we assume a posture of humility and surrender--we bring the love, mercy, and kindness of God in the flesh into our world so that more will see Jesus.