Paul addresses the believers who were gathering together for a shared meal called The Lord's Supper. This is different than our modern-day communion, this was a meal shared among all believers. There was favoritism and divisions growing in the church because of how some were being treated at these meals. Paul writes them to remind them that the church isn't a place for exclusion, and it's more than a physical meal. There is a spiritual element to church. If we're just physically showing up to a physical building with expectations of an emotional feeling we will miss the point. We should expect to encounter the Creator of the universe and have a spiritual experience when we gather together in worship.

In a very confusing passage, Paul gives instructions on how people should conduct themselves in worship. Most of the instructions are based in a different cultural situation than we currently live in, so we have to find what the passage is trying to communicate. Paul seems to be focusing on the overarching themes of submitting to authority and having a reverence for worship. 

Paul continues to remind us that we should put others first in how we live. We have to be careful with our words, and how we treat people because we are called to care for others. He then continues telling us that we should glorify God in everything that we do. What a great reminder! That every area of our life, our time, temple, talents, and treasure should be used for the glory of God! If we are focused on doing those two things (Caring for others, and Glorifying God), it will enable us to tell lead people towards Christ through the example of our lives.

As one people with one God, we should strive for unity and serve God only. Paul's continued call for unity should resonate its importance with us. We have to stay humble and focused on the importance of the Gospel; making sure we aren't attempting to serve two masters, but God only.

The people of Israel may have been following God, but it doesn't mean they were following Him with their hearts and minds. We must make sure that we aren't just following God in actions without surrendering ourselves. Paul gives specific instances of things that Israel didn't watch out for that led them astray, warning Corinth (and us) of things we need to watch out for. He includes references to idolatry, sexual immorality, testing God, and grumbling. Paul brings up these examples so we can watch out for the ways the enemy is trying to lead us astray from worshipping God.

Paul writes a letter to Timothy to encourage Him, something that we are called to do as believers. He reminds us through this letter to Timothy that as believers we are to build each other up through fellowship, share in each other's suffering, and pour into others.

We only have one word in English for love. That can water down the meaning of some scripture. We have to understand that when John says "God is Love" he doesn't mean love like how we love a movie or a friend. This is a different level of unconditional love that Jesus brings us. That's what's incredible about Christmas, is the love that God has for us is completely undeserved and completely unconditional. That is a love to be enjoyed, and to be shared with others.

The enemy loves to distract us from our Joy. He does this one of two ways: He makes bigger monsters, or shinier objects. What is stealing your joy? Remind yourself of what God has done for you, and how incredible it is. When we keep this in focus, we can have access to an inexpressible and glorious joy! 

The season of Christmas can be defined by the hustle and bustle, but we are called to experience the Peace that God brought through Jesus. Psalm 23 provides a great image of what it looks like to live in the better Peace that God provides.