The book of 1 Samuel opens with the story of Hannah who is struggling with the reality of her barrenness. While her rivals provoke her and her husband tries to make up for her lack in his own power, this remarkable woman of faith turns her eyes to God. And God's grace leads to the birth of Samuel - a son for Hannah and a leader for Israel.

History is filled with the horrific stories of brutal leaders who held onto power by crushing others around them. Herod is one such story. But even in the midst of his ruthless oppression, God's story of victory through Jesus emerges greater. And in that story, the remarkable obedience of Joseph and Mary to follow the leading of God is a grand model of faith.

This often passed by story of Jesus' dedication in the temple unveils a powerful narrative showing an exodus story led by a boundary-breaking Jesus received by people of faith. Already Jesus is smashing long held boundaries and making God available to everyone through himself. And already those who respond to him are doing so by faith.

The story of Zachariah is amazing. He's a priest who has prayed for a son for decades and at a crucial moment in history, God answers his prayer in dynamic fashion. Zachariah's journey is not just one of fertility for his wife. It is really a journey of faith in the moment. He goes from doubting God to singing praises to God for his greatness. Perhaps you've been waiting on God for a long time or perhaps faith is difficult for you. Either way, this story of Zachariah is so important for all of us.

Christmas is way more than a baby in a manger. It is the incarnation of God into the mess of humanity. Christmas is when Jesus sets aside the comforts of heaven to pursue rebellious humanity. In so doing, the law is fulfilled, love is presented in its fullness and life is offered to the fullest.

The gospel when we understand it well reframes our whole perspective on life from entitlement to grace and mercy. And when we view our existence through this lens the natural byproduct is joy which leads to gratitude.

When Jesus established the communion meal, he urged his followers to share in it regularly. Why? Because it offers union to Jesus, union to the story of God and union to others for those who receive it.

The simple answer is that God says so. The more compelling answer is the gospel. We have been the recipients of grace and mercy from God himself and therefore are called to demonstrate it in our world so the story of God is told. If we learn to love the gospel deeply, live without ignorance and leave the corners of our lives for others we will be orienting our lives in the way honoring to God.

Far too many people give their money out of obligation - because they feel like they have to. The fact is that tithing is no longer an obligation. In its place stands the gospel which is a whole new orientation. We are now asked to form our lives around what Jesus has done for us. In this way, we are truly called to give of what we have based on our opportunity.

The church is not a building. And it isn't a Sunday morning gathering. The church is a dynamic community of people centered on Jesus who care for each other and make the gospel real in each other's lives. Without community, we can't be all that God intends us to be and that's why the Bible is so adamant about Christians living in community.