The advent season teaches us many things and one of those things is this: God does not abandon us. God is with us and advent grace is for the confused, broken, and even for the sinner.

God delights to give his good news to the unexpected. And he does his best work in unexpected times. Jesus is an unexpected King but he's king nonetheless.

In an age of materialism and hedonism, self denial and simplicity are seen as moral responses, but those things in an of themselves can be a threat to our understanding of the goodness and grace of God.

God says that the end will be sweeter than our present or past. He is leading us to perfection in Christ. We are not to allow fear of the future burden us now. Instead, we maintain our hope in Christ for our future.

Our present is at times cluttered with being overwhelmed by our possible future and being burdened with our past. God wants us to live in the present to bring his joy and peace to everyday life.

There are some of us that allow what has happened in the past to affect us in the present and to affect our future. But God wants to redeem our past and to use it for our good.

It's been cited that the #1 trait modern parents want to instill in their kids is "compassion". Yet, often that compassion is in want when it comes to those with whom we disagree. As the book of Jonah closes, God tests our compassion. How will you do?

It is better to steward the ‘little’ well and take one small step of obedience to satisfy the intentions of Father God, than take one big stride in the flesh to fulfill the expectations of others.

At times we get angry with God and his plan because his plan is not turning out how we would like it. And even in our anger, even in our self-pity God cares for us and consoles us. He truly is a gracious God.

A Christian's life is a life of repentance. Jesus gives us the freedom to not only repent of sin but to repent of our goodness and righteousness as well.