Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as our Helper and the ultimate source of peace. Abiding in Christ is sustained through the Spirit’s presence.

Abiding in Christ includes trusting Him when the future is unclear.

Life is full of uncertainty, and sometimes our hearts are troubled. We face challenges, losses, and doubts that make us question the path ahead.

God wants to lead us to trust Him, even if we don’t understand

His thoughts are higher than ours. And His thoughts are always good!

Jesus commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them. Abiding in Christ involves sacrificial, selfless love.

Judas’ betrayal and Jesus’ response demonstrate that abiding in Christ involves navigating betrayal with grace and forgiveness.

How should we handle betrayal?

Forgive: Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing the betrayal but releasing the hurt to God. (Matthew 6:14-15)

Set healthy boundaries: While Jesus extended love to Judas, He didn’t try to change him or keep him in His inner circle. (Proverbs 4:23, Galatians 6:5)

Connect to a small group: Jesus surrounded Himself with His other disciples, a reminder to seek support from trusted friends and spiritual family. We too need a personal support network. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Trust God with justice: Vengeance belongs to God, not us. (Romans 12:19)

Jesus’ act of washing His disciples’ feet reveals that abiding in Him begins with a posture of humility. When we walk in humility, we create space for His life to flow through us, just as the vine nourishes its branches.

While abiding keeps us connected to Christ, His command to “go” ensures that we do not stagnate in our faith. When we are deeply rooted in Him, the natural result is the desire to share the gospel and bear the fruit of the Spirit that Paul talks about in Galatians 5:22,23. Abiding is not passive; it produces action.

Home has a powerful influence on all of us. At Christmas we are reminded that God came to dwell among us and make a way for us to spend eternity in His home.

A strong foundation in our earthly homes and being secure in our eternal home enables us to step into 2025 with confidence.

Love in Advent is more than feeling this is the most wonderful time of the year, it is about recognizing that God loves us and then going and sharing that love with others. If we look closely Christmas teaches us what it means to love.

The joy of Christmas is not found in fleeting emotions or worldly pleasures but in the profound truth that “the Lord has come.” As we journey through this Advent season, we are reminded that true joy is supernatural—a gift of the Spirit, anchored in God’s eternal love and presence.

December is a month to reflect on the birth of Jesus. Why did He come? Ultimately Jesus has come to bring us peace within, because he makes peace between.

Experience Jesus’ birth through their eyes as Christmas with The Chosen: Holy Night blends The Messengers and The Shepherd into one special remastered and re-scored story: https://watch.thechosen.tv/video/184683594479