John the Baptist’s arrival announces the urgent call to turn from sin and live in genuine repentance, because the kingdom of God is near. So we must ask: "Have you truly repented?", "How do you know your repentance is real?" and "What are you trusting in?"

Matthew reveals Jesus as the true Israel and the greater Moses whom God protects to accomplish His saving mission. Because we are united to Him, we can trust that God is also working all things for our good.

The coming of Jesus reveals our hearts: some oppose Him like Herod, some ignore Him like the religious leaders; but those who truly seek Him, like the Magi, worship and give Him their best. So we must ask where our hearts are toward Him, and turn to the true King in repentance and worship — the One who calls all nations to come under His rule.

Through Christ's supernatural birth, God reveals to us His promised, divine Saviour - Jesus. He was born without sin that He might save His people from their sin, giving us hope of forgiveness and a new life.

Jesus' genealogy, though tainted by brokenness and sin, reveals He is the promised Christ - the true King of Israel and the Deliverer of all the nations. We can therefore have assurance that the good news of God's Kingdom is open to all people, and that our sin can never overrule God's promises and faithfulness to the believer.

With all sorts of "truths" and worldviews doing the rounds today, it is vital that we as Christians that God's Word is the ultimate truth, and therefore that it is still relevant and sufficient to guide and lead us.

Since the Bible is truly God’s Word, it ought to transform our lives, and to reject it is to turn against God.

No matter who we think is deserving of God's grace and compassion, His grace, mercy and compassion goes beyond that. By His grace and mercy alone are we saved, as well as those who we feel are less deserving.

The righteous Lord calls rebellious humanity to turn (repent) from their wicked ways and seek His forgiveness by urgently responding to the Gospel message.

In spite of our selfishness and inward-looking nature, God, in His compassionate nature, works in and through us to achieve His will.