Pastor Cana takes us through Colossians 3:12-17, in which Paul writes to the church in Colossae to encourage them to reflect on their actions and instructs them how to show their devotion to Christ. We as well can demonstrate our Christian identity and loyalty every day by clothing ourselves in the virtues of Christ: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, and most importantly, love.

In John 20:19-31, the disciple we know as Doubting Thomas asks for proof that the Lord his friends met was the same Jesus that was crucified. When presented with that proof, Thomas’ faith grew stronger. Pastor Cana shares with us that hesitance to believe and asking questions are a part of a healthy faith.

Pastor Cana follows up with Esther in Esther 5:9-13, where Haman is enraged at the sight of Esther’s relative Mordecai. Haman’s revenge would mean the genocide of the Jewish people, but Esther’s actions lead to their salvation. God works in threatening circumstances for the good of His people. When you examine your life, to look for God.

Pastor Cana brings us to Esther 2:5-11, 15-18, where the story of Esther begins. Esther hides her Jewish beliefs to gain favor in the palace as King Ahasuerus seeks a new queen. God works in flawed people, including His own. Do you see God’s presence in hindsight when you thought you were working for yourself?

Pastor Cana muses on scripture (Jeremiah 23:1-4, Psalm 23, and Ephesians 2:12-18) describing both good and bad shepherds and leaders. Each of us has a responsibility to be shepherds for those around us, leading with support, grace, compassion, and generosity.

The text for Pastor Cana’s sermon is Psalm 2, where the Psalmist speaks about the worldly powers who conspire against God and considers humanity’s desire for power, which is God’s to distribute. His authority and control are not threatened. We find comfort that God will not let false powers last but will reign in love forever.

In this message, Pastor Cana reflects on God’s lightness, the light that is from God, and the light we share as people. The texts from John 1:1-14 and 1 John 1:1-7 prompts us to consider what God’s light tells us and how we can be people who walk in the light, sharing light with others. When we Join God in lightness and avoid double-mindedness, we receive fellowship in the light.

For the final sermon of Advent, Pastor Cana turns to Luke 2:8-20, where angels appear to the shepherds to announce the Savior’s birth and the shepherds become the first visitors and evangelists. Meeting a strange God means becoming a strange person sharing strange news, but we are encouraged to freely share the Good News.

For the fourth sermon of Advent, Pastor Cana turns to Luke 1:39-55, where Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, whose unborn son leaps in the presence of the unborn Son of God. Mary sings a song expressing joy, love, truth, power, glorification, and justice. Because of Jesus’ coming, we can join in Mary’s singing and believe that things will be better.

For the third sermon of Advent, Pastor Cana turns to Luke 3:7-18, where John the Baptist calls out a crowd of listeners for hypocrisy and provides them instructions for correcting their behavior. It’s not too late for us to act righteously instead of professing our beliefs without change. We can repent and allow that repentance to change our outward actions.