While Paul is giving the Philippians an update on his circumstances, he ponders the very present possibility of execution. We are given a snapshot into the inner thoughts of Paul, for whom both life and death simply means Christ. He is an example of someone who truly possesses a Hope informed by the Gospel.

Paul has chains around his wrists and his ankles, on constant surveillance by Roman soldiers. He has no personal freedom. But for some reason, he is full of joy. Why? Because he sees every personal circumstance through the lens of one question: "How is this impacting the spread of the gospel?" Paul's posture challenges our day-to-day priorities, and how we view even the little trials in our lives.

Partnership in the gospel isn't just about productivity. Partnership in the gospel leads to flourishing relationships in the family of God. Paul's affection for this partner church is tangible, and it should be the heart that we seek for one another as we partner together in the gospel.

We begin our study through Philippians where Paul's primary focus is on the gospel and its effect on the world, and on this small church. Paul loves this church dearly and exhorts it tenderly. We also examine the story behind the origin of the Philippine church in Acts 16. We discover three themes that immediately emerge: Humility in Christ, Unity in Christ, and a Gospel Priority.

Week one we laid out our mission, which is to be about what God is doing in renewing all things in Jesus Christ. Week two we laid out our vision - forming a family of Spirit-filled disciples of Jesus who are committed to Capitol Hill in truth and love. But how do we do that? That's where our values come in. At Calvary: The Hill our values are to be 1) Grounded in God's Word, 2) Attuned to God's Spirit, 3) A loving family, and 4) Passionately missional. These are the ways that we accomplish our mission and vision.

Last week we saw what God is doing, which is to renew all things in Jesus Christ. Now we look at what we are doing. Following the Great Commission that Jesus gave to his first followers, we are forming a family of Spirit-filled disciples of Jesus Christ who are committed to Capitol Hill in truth and love. This is our vision for our church; this is what we want to see God do in us this year and beyond.

In our first installment looking at Calvary: The Hill's Mission, Vision, and Values, we align our mission with God's mission. In asking, "What is our mission?" we are also asking "What is God's mission?" God is renewing all things through his Son Jesus Christ, and we are seeking to be a church that engages in that mission with him.

Our final Installment of Advent focuses on the Love that came on Christmas. It came, and it never left. Readings brought to you by members of the Calvary: The Hill community. Merry Christmas!

We all want joy, especially around Christmas time. But do we realize that it is God who shares His joy with us? Joy is not a self-conjured reality, it is a gift that is shared with our Creator. And there is no circumstance that can steal our joy when it is founded upon Jesus.

The Advent (or coming) of Jesus provides us with many things, including an opportunity for peace with God and with neighbors. We examine the truly wonderful reality of peace that Jesus unlocks for us.