Our next stop is Nazareth.  At the time of Jesus’ birth, Nazareth was place of little significance and the home of a most unassuming mother to birth Jesus.  Mary herself almost seems insignificant until God transforms her story and ours as well.  Within simplicity, we find the story of our God coming to be with us through Jesus Christ, an incarnational act.  The simplicity of Nazareth and Mary show us how there is significance in where we are and who we are. 

Scripture - Luke 1:26-38, 46-50

Our next stop is Nazareth.  At the time of Jesus’ birth, Nazareth was place of little significance and the home of a most unassuming mother to birth Jesus.  Mary herself almost seems insignificant until God transforms her story and ours as well.  Within simplicity, we find the story of our God coming to be with us through Jesus Christ, an incarnational act.  The simplicity of Nazareth and Mary show us how there is significance in where we are and who we are. 

Scripture - Luke 1:26-38, 46-50

We do not like to wait.  We find ways to bypass traffic.  We buy our way to the lightening lanes.  We complain about taking longer to get where we want to go.  Waiting is a crucial part of Advent and of God’s people.  Jerusalem, specifically the Temple, is where we find the opportunity of waiting through Zechariah and Elizabeth.  Waiting is actually a spiritual practice that provides an opportunity to receive rather than get.  So, we wait. 

Scripture - Luke 1:5-17

We do not like to wait.  We find ways to bypass traffic.  We buy our way to the lightening lanes.  We complain about taking longer to get where we want to go.  Waiting is a crucial part of Advent and of God’s people.  Jerusalem, specifically the Temple, is where we find the opportunity of waiting through Zechariah and Elizabeth.  Waiting is actually a spiritual practice that provides an opportunity to receive rather than get.  So, we wait. 

Scripture - Luke 1:5-17

We begin our journey in Rome, the place of power at the time of Jesus’ birth.  The familiar words of Luke 2:1-3 note that a census is ordered by Caesar, the human authority at the time of Jesus’ birth.  Rome ruled with authority over those in its empire.  The people longed for more.  As we begin our journey of Advent, we too long for more in our own lives.  Our longing leads us to the manger and seeking what our God longs for. 

Scripture - Luke 2:1-3; Romans 8:18-25

We begin our journey in Rome, the place of power at the time of Jesus’ birth.  The familiar words of Luke 2:1-3 note that a census is ordered by Caesar, the human authority at the time of Jesus’ birth.  Rome ruled with authority over those in its empire.  The people longed for more.  As we begin our journey of Advent, we too long for more in our own lives.  Our longing leads us to the manger and seeking what our God longs for. 

Scripture - Luke 2:1-3; Romans 8:18-25

As we conclude our series on loving one another, we do not conclude loving one another.  Loving one another is a way of being through encouraging, serving, praying, honoring, and forgiving.  Peter writes an effective summary of loving one another in his words found in 1 Peter 4:8-11.  We are called to love deeply, offer hospitality, serve others, and above all things give God praise.  As we enter the holiday season, may we seek ways to love one another that brings glory and honor to God.  May we be known by our love of one another.    

Scripture - 1 Peter 4:8-11; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

As we conclude our series on loving one another, we do not conclude loving one another.  Loving one another is a way of being through encouraging, serving, praying, honoring, and forgiving.  Peter writes an effective summary of loving one another in his words found in 1 Peter 4:8-11.  We are called to love deeply, offer hospitality, serve others, and above all things give God praise.  As we enter the holiday season, may we seek ways to love one another that brings glory and honor to God.  May we be known by our love of one another.    

Scripture - 1 Peter 4:8-11; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

We often hear the words “you just need to forgive”.  Forgiveness is complicated, necessary, and freeing for the one forgiving and the one being forgiven.  First, forgiveness is core to God’s love for each of us.  Jesus’s death and resurrection is an act of forgiveness.  We are uncapable of saving ourselves, so God sent his Son for the forgiveness of our sins.  God’s love is an act of forgiveness.  Next, forgiving others is a response to the forgiveness we receive.  Peter’s question of Jesus, “How many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me?” is a question that we may have asked ourselves.  Jesus’ response calls us into the uncomfortability of loving one another.  Fear of forgiving is a real challenge.  Are we giving someone permission for the harm done to us or someone else?  Are we letting someone off the hook for the harm? What about the eye for an eye philosophy?  The questions are real and the fear is warranted.  Our response of loving one another through forgiving one another is rooted in the depths of God’s love for us and seeing our own need for forgiveness.   

Scripture - Colossians 3:12-14; Matthew 18:21-35

We often hear the words “you just need to forgive”.  Forgiveness is complicated, necessary, and freeing for the one forgiving and the one being forgiven.  First, forgiveness is core to God’s love for each of us.  Jesus’s death and resurrection is an act of forgiveness.  We are uncapable of saving ourselves, so God sent his Son for the forgiveness of our sins.  God’s love is an act of forgiveness.  Next, forgiving others is a response to the forgiveness we receive.  Peter’s question of Jesus, “How many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me?” is a question that we may have asked ourselves.  Jesus’ response calls us into the uncomfortability of loving one another.  Fear of forgiving is a real challenge.  Are we giving someone permission for the harm done to us or someone else?  Are we letting someone off the hook for the harm? What about the eye for an eye philosophy?  The questions are real and the fear is warranted.  Our response of loving one another through forgiving one another is rooted in the depths of God’s love for us and seeing our own need for forgiveness.   

Scripture - Colossians 3:12-14; Matthew 18:21-35