Our broken world is filled with things that steal our peace. Since The Fall, we have conflict with God, with others, with our environment, and even internally with our own selves. But Jesus came to reconcile us to God and to cut off conflict at its source. One day he will come again to defeat Satan once and for all, establishing eternal and perfect peace. In the meantime, we’re called to abide in, experience, and share his peace by faith.

Everyone seeks happiness, but joy can be elusive in a broken world, where sin has led to every form of sorrow and death. Grief or frustration or stress can often feel like our default setting, rather than joy. So how do we get joy? And what's Advent got to do with joy? Practically, how do we live in light of both the past and future joy that have been promised to those who love God?

God’s love for people was often demonstrated through acts of deliverance in the Old Testament era. And the greatest and fullest demonstration of his love is the coming of Jesus to lay down his life for our salvation. Because of his sacrifice, our lives can be filled with his love here and now. Even while we wait for his second coming, we can overflow with his love toward others.

This psalm begins with a call to praise and hope in the Lord, noting the deficiency of human rulers who are temporary and powerless to save. The psalmist highlights God's characteristics: He is the Creator, the source of both justice and mercy. The psalm concludes by affirming that the Lord reigns forever, and calling people to praise Him in all generations.

When Jesus arrives in Bethany after the death of Lazarus, Martha and Mary meet him separately to express shock and grief. Jesus declares, "I AM the resurrection and the life," and invites them to believe. Jesus storms to the tomb in anger at death, but also sheds tears of grief. He simply speaks, raising Lazarus from the dead, provoking a mixed reaction of belief and murderous contempt.

Lazarus, a friend of Jesus, falls ill, and when Jesus hears of it, he declares that the sickness will not end in death but will glorify God. Despite knowing Lazarus has died, Jesus stays two more days before deciding to go to Bethany. He explains to His disciples that Lazarus' death is for their benefit, so they may believe. The disciples are concerned about the dangers of returning to Judea, but Thomas, in a resigned yet courageous tone, suggests they go with Jesus, even if it means facing death.

The Jewish crowds of Jerusalem have rejected Jesus’ divine identity once and for all. They refuse to believe in spite of many miraculous works that prove his power and authority. Jesus is the giver of eternal life, but they don’t want a messiah who doesn’t play by their rules. Jesus departs Jerusalem for the Jordan, and many who followed John the Baptist believe in him there.

Jesus introduces the metaphor of a shepherd and sheep to describe his relationship with his followers. In contrast to thieves and robbers, wolves, and hirelings, Jesus lays down his life for his sheep. This passage underscores themes of intimacy, protection, provision, and the unique role of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who offers eternal life to His followers.

Jesus heals a man born blind, demonstrating that his condition was not due to sin but so that God’s works could be revealed. After Jesus makes mud and instructs the man to wash in the Pool of Siloam, the man gains his sight. This miracle prompts skepticism from the Pharisees, who interrogate the man and his parents. Jesus later finds him, reveals his identity, and discusses spiritual blindness, emphasizing faith and the contrast between true sight and spiritual ignorance.

The Jews of Jesus’ day claimed Abraham and God as their ethnic and spiritual fathers. But Jesus cautioned them that their lives looked more like another father: the devil – and they were enslaved to his sinful patterns of living. Only by accepting that Jesus was the true Light of the world and abiding in his truth could they find true freedom.