Holidays are often accompanied by misplaced expectations and hopes, but when we return to the original hope that Christ brings we are not disappointed (Luke 2:25-35, Isa 40:1-2,10-11).

Holidays sometimes contribute to our loneliness; we need the incarnated community, the family of God, that comes from the incarnated Christ (Mt. 12:46-50).

Only Christ can be the source and substance of joy which truly satisfies a human being (John 6:35, Ps. 63).

Fruit bearing requires a loving and helpful community (John 15:5, 12; Eph. 4:11-12).

The Christian life is invisible, visible, and then manifested (Matt. 7:15-20; John 15:8). Fruit, the manifested, means the outcome of our inner knowledge and practiced walk (Col. 1:5-6; Phil. 1:22).

Our service must be practiced unto fruitfulness (Col. 3:22, Phil. 2:12-13).

The practice of our faith brings the new life in Christ into view and prepares us for spiritual fruit (Ps. 80:8-13, Isa. 27:6; John 15:5a).

Jesus addresses things like anger, lust, and vindictiveness while offering a powerful solution (Mt. 5-7, Col. 2:6-7).

The kingdom of heaven is firstly possessed and known in our spirit (Matt. 5:1-3)--meaning the Christian life begins at root level.

We trust our children and their future to the might and glory of the gospel (Ps 78:1-8).