John 13:21-30. Tonight we watch Judas' hands as they begin to weave a web of deceit and lies. 

It's one thing to be convinced that the Lord provides our food, drink, and shelter. It's another thing entirely to be convinced that the Lord can provide identity, belonging, goodness, acceptance, approval, and forgiveness. Today we're in Genesis 22:1-18 to see that the Lord will provide.  

God's glory is not simply something to be adored, loved, or upheld. We receive God's glory. To the extent we receive it, we get strength and grit. 

The group norm in America today is overload and exhaustion. Jesus gives both physical and spiritual truths to power us for our work. 

If you know for whom you are working, that gives so much clarity to your work. Join Jesus in Mark 1:21-34 and see for whom he works. 

So many things happen that make our work not feel worth it. While we can't always change how we feel about our work, working with Jesus will make our work worth it. 

Modern work faces many problems. It is hard, frustrating toil. It is fruitless. It is pointless. We typically offer the wrong solutions to work. Jesus in his baptism sets up the right solution.

The struggle over evil and difficulty has been long and we seem to make so little progress. Christmas promises that we can conquer, even if it won't be right away. We can join in the struggle and make progress. 

What is the greatest gift you've ever given? What is the greatest gift you've ever received? Let's enjoy the greatest gift. 

You can almost tell what a gift is by how people respond. A book provokes a boring response from everyone but the most bookish person; trash provokes disgust. How will you respond to the great gift of Christmas? Watch Mary and Elizabeth (Luke 1:39 -45).