Jesus is above all. Only Jesus can transform us from darkness to light, and apart from Him we are alienated enemies of God. As we study the preeminence of Jesus, we need to ask ourselves....does Jesus have first place in our lives?

As we begin our study in Colossians, we see three responses to Jesus being over all: celebrate, pray, and live as one who is redeemed.

You are responsible to follow Jesus. But what is a disciple of Jesus, why does it matter, how does one live as a disciple, and what is Calvary's role in helping you?

Judgment & Accountability and Forgiveness vs. Accountability can be hard tensions to balance. However, when we recognize our own sin and need for Jesus, judgment yields gracious accountability.  When we focus on the forgiveness we've been given, accountability goes from wanting revenge to wanting good for the other person.

The great spiritual battle comes down to two kingdoms in conflict: the Kingdom of God vs the Kingdom of Self. Only a clear view of God's unending grace can make you love God's Kingdom more than yourself.

Sometimes, things don't make sense to us, and we don't understand what God is doing. Today, we are reminded that God desires to shape us (not destroy us), God reserves the right to deal with us His way, and that God can and will deal with rebellion against His sovereignty.

Scripture frequently presents us with tensions. It offers truths that seem to push and pull on one another. Tension is often a negative word, but tension isn't always an indicator that something's wrong. The more God stretches us, the more he can use us, and the more we will delight in Him. Embracing these healthy tensions leads to spiritual wisdom and fulfillment.

Our plans might be motivated by good intentions and appear to be righteous, but they may still not line up with the Lord's will. Our best response to God's "no" is to say "yes" to what he has for us instead.

Christmas is about God fulfilling a promise woven into the Old Testament: He will be with us, and that's what we celebrate.

On this Christmas Eve morning, we see the responses to the miraculous birth of Jesus our Savior, and how His birth provides hope for our past, present, future, and eternity.