Family is supposed to be a safe place where we can find support for our deepest dreams. But often family can be a dysfunctional mess. Joseph’s story teaches us about true brotherhood and the dream of a true older brother.

Is it important for us to have dreams? The early years of Jospeh show us the importance of dreams but also the great dangers. Joseph’s dreams give him a glimpse of his future but it also fills him with great pride. God calls us to protect our dreams but also to receive them with humility and divine dependence.

Is the Bible just a series of stories or one great story with one ultimate hero? In Genesis we see the beginning of a great story that will slowly unfold throughout the Bible. The early pages of Genesis show us the storyline of Creation, Fall, Redemption and Restoration. God invites us to be part of this greater story as we begin this year.

Have you ever noticed that high points always seem to be followed by low points? The holidays are always followed by a return to work. Spending sprees are always followed by bank statements. Life is a series of ups and downs. The new year definitely gives us a chance to reset and refocus. And the new year shows us that God is still in control. And God is still here

Home is supposed to be a place of safety, of love and nourishment. But through the tragedies of life, we often feel spiritually homeless. Advent is a time to remember that Jesus became homeless so that he can bring us to our true and eternal home.

God’s justice is often crowded out by more appealing attributes like God’s love or God’s grace. But justice is a key part of God’s character and his desire for the world. Isaiah shows us that there will be a day when God will bring about a true and final justice.

All of life is a battle. A battle of pain and disappointment. Sin and disobedience. But our hardships aren’t forever. There is coming a time when our true Shephard will gather us, hold us and guide us. This Shephard comes with power to restore and ultimately bring eternal comfort to all who hear his voice and follow him.

We live in a chaotic time of political division and global violence. But Advent helps us to remember that one day God’s peace will flood the earth. Advent is about the coming of Jesus, the Prince of Peace who will come to bring about a final and lasting renewal.

Many people are never satisfied with what they have. Paul, however, found the secret of contentment and exemplified a life of generosity. Generosity comes first from a life that is content and secure in Christ. But it finds expression in seeking for ways to contribute to the causes that bless the city and extend the kingdom.

There are a lot of things that can steal our joy. Petty disputes and anxiety can take our joy and rob us of the fullness of the life God wants from us. Paul teaches us how to rejoice in every season and find the peace of God.