In this first week of Advent Luke records the events of Zecharias and Elizabeth being told by the angel Gabriel that God will give them a child. This is the prophecy of the birth of John the Baptist, intricately ordained by the grace and sovereignty of God.

The Apostle Paul argues that believers must do three things with an attitude of thankfulness: let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts, let the Word of Christ richly dwell within them, and do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.

The Apostle Paul reminds the reader how Christ Jesus has dealt with his past life, sinful as it was. He refers to himself as the "chief of sinners" because of his persecution of the church, but he is quick to point out how Christ is glorified by showing grace and mercy to a sinner like Paul...and sinners like us.