The proclamation of the birth of Jesus is an invitation to come to Him. Shepherds and Wise Men were the first to be invited. Jesus’ ministry was characterized by the repeated invitation to come. The invitation still stands today. How will we respond?

“The life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us.” The life that is found in Jesus has been revealed to us. That is why we celebrate the wonder of Christmas.

“Light and Life to all he brings . . .” The light of the world brings His life to the world. It’s the story of Christmas and all are invited to receive Him. All can then shine His light and live His life for all the world to see. Today we begin our Christmas series by telling His story of “Light and Life.”

It should be no surprise that Paul concludes his letter by rejoicing greatly! He is grateful for the partnership in ministry he shares with the Philippian church and he shares how he has learned to be content . . . No Matter What!

Paul encourages believers to stand firm together by rejoicing in the Lord, treating everyone with gentleness, not being anxious but instead presenting our requests to God, thinking about what is excellent and praise-worthy and then putting that into practice...No Matter What!

Paul is now filled with urgency as he boldly says press on, forget what’s behind, strain forward for the prize, hold true, imitate me and eagerly await the return of Christ! Let’s take Paul at his word and Pursue Life in Christ together!

Paul boldly and clearly contrasts his previous works-oriented approach to God with what it now means to be found in Him through faith.

Paul has encouraged the Philippians to take on the same attitude that we see in Jesus Christ. In today’s passage, he commends Timothy and Epaphroditus as two men who are doing just that.

Following last week’s description of who Jesus Christ is and what He has done, this week we will be challenged how to live as lights in the world.

Today we come to a description of who Jesus is and what Jesus did that is not only central to our understanding of Philippians, but is central to our understanding of the One Story of the Bible.