This week’s Advent theme is love, beautifully captured in John 3:16.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” 

The depth of God’s love is seen in His plan of redemption, which began in theGarden of Eden after the fall of humanity. When Adam and Eve sinned, their relationship with God was broken, and sin and death entered the world. But even then, God promised a Savior in Genesis 3:15, foretelling that the offspring of the woman would crush the serpent’s head. This prophecy pointed to Jesus, who would bear the cost of sin through His death on the cross and triumph over Satan through His resurrection. This sacrificial love reflects God’s unyielding desire to restore His relationship with us.

Through the incarnation, God’s love became visible and relatable. Jesus, theWord made flesh, came to live among us so we could truly understand God’s heart. His birth, life, death, and resurrection reveal God's lengths to demonstrate His love and meet humanity’s deepest needs. Romans 8:32 assures us that if God did not spare His own Son but gave Him for us all, He will graciously provide everything we need. This Advent season, may we be filled with awe at the love of God and inspired to share that love with others.

This Sunday’s Advent theme explores the concept of joy as presented in the great birth announcement given by angels. Joy, unlike happiness, is not based on favorable life events but rooted in a relationship with Jesus. Biblical joy persists through all circumstances, anchored in the character and promises ofGod. This is why the angels’ announcement of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2 was such a momentous declaration of "great joy" for all people—introducing a joy that comes through Christ’s presence and God’s redemptive plan rather than worldly pleasures or success.

The announcement reveals God’s profound presence through Jesus, as proclaimed to humble shepherds, demonstrating that this joy is accessible to all, not just the esteemed or powerful. This choice reflects God’s tendency to reach out to the overlooked and marginalized, who respond with attentiveness and faith. Jesus, described as Savior, Christ, and Lord, fulfills centuries-old promises of salvation, establishing Him as the foundation of a lasting joy that transcends temporary sorrows. This joy, embodied in Christ, transforms hardship into a pathway for spiritual growth, as seen in Romans 5:3-5, where suffering builds character and hope.

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

To experience this enduring joy, Jesus instructs His followers to obey His word and remain in His love (John 15:9-11). Obedience is not restrictive but brings believers closer to God, enabling them to experience His guiding presence. Remaining in His love, as Henri Nouwen suggests, means knowing oneself to be unconditionally loved by God. This realization brings a joy that surpasses life's challenges, offering Christians a steady assurance that their worth and ultimate fulfillment are found in God’s love and salvation.

We may recognize peace symbols and awards like the Nobel Peace Prize, yet the world remains full of conflict, with major wars raging. The Bible's concept of peace, shalom, is deeper than just the absence of conflict; it’s the restoration of our relationship with God. C.S. Lewis argued that the true meaning of Christmas is often buried under sentimentality, but at its heart, Christmas is about reconciliation between humanity and God. As the angels proclaimed at Jesus’ birth, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased.” This peace is available not through human efforts but through Christ's forgiveness, bridging the gap between us and God.

Jesus is our peace with God. Romans 5:1 reminds us that, “since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” It is not a matter of being “good enough” but trusting in Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Our biggest problem—separation from God—has been solved through Christ’s death and resurrection. This peace then frees us to pursue harmony in our relationships with others. In the first century, Christianity united Jews and Gentiles, breaking down walls of hostility and forming a new community in Christ. Paul encouraged the early church to live at peace with one another, reminding them that all are welcome in God’s family.

Like others, soon you will gather with your family. It’s not always what you dream it would be. We need help! Knowing we are on good terms with God allows us to become like Jesus. We can model His attitude of humility that brought us peace with our Creator. Consider approaching your loved ones with kindness, patience, and a willingness to forgive. You can’t control others, but you can change the room temperature by setting aside differences, overlooking offenses, and showing compassion. 

"If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:18 This is made possible when you approach people with the mindset of Jesus. 

We have peace with God and peace with others, and through Christ, we can also be at peace with ourselves. When Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you,” He offered us a lasting peace not dependent on external circumstances. This peace helps us face life’s challenges with the security of knowing we are loved by God. It’s not the absence of hardship, but the presence of God with us that enables us to experience peace amid life’s storms. By grounding our hope in Him, we gain a peace the world cannot give, a peace that endures all things.

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” Isaiah 9:2

As Christmas nears, the Advent season begins, focusing on Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love to prepare us for Jesus' birth. We start with the message of hope, a gift from God that comes alive in the prophetic words of Isaiah, written centuries before Jesus' arrival. Isaiah foretells a light emerging from the overlooked region of Galilee, home to Nazareth, where Jesus was raised. This surprising choice illustrates God's way of working through the unexpected to bring His hope to a dark world.

Isaiah's prophecy captures the contrast between Israel’s focus on Jerusalem and the Messiah’s emergence from humble Galilee, a place of little renown. Jesus’ birthplace and upbringing defy expectations, marking Him as a beacon of divine hope arising from humble beginnings rather than grandeur. His birth in a simple setting, with shepherds as witnesses, underscores that God’s work often goes unrecognized by those preoccupied with worldly appearances.

But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 1 Corinthians 1:27

Jesus embodies hope as both fully human and divine, described in Isaiah’s prophecy as a child born and a son given. His human experience connects Him to our struggles, as Hebrews reminds us, while His divinity fulfills God's redemptive plan. This dual nature means He is not merely an extraordinary man but our Savior, worthy of worship. The resurrection challenges any dismissal of Jesus as an ordinary figure, anchoring our belief in His lordship.

Isaiah names Jesus as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, each title revealing His unique role. Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor, provides divine wisdom and comfort, guiding us beyond our limited understanding. As Mighty God, He wages a spiritual battle for our souls, not with force but through sacrificial love. His role as Everlasting Father assures eternal protection, provision, and guidance. He is the Prince who brings us peace with God. Through these gifts, God offers true, abiding hope that transcends earthly limitations, calling us to trust in His enduring character amidst life’s darkness.

Paul closes his letter to the Ephesians by emphasizing the practical application of our faith in a discussion about the "Armor of God." In chapter 4, Paul urges believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling" they have received. In chapter 6 he reminds us that there is an enemy who wants to push us off the path. Paul’s message reminds believers that they are in a spiritual battle. In fact, the world’s turmoil is a direct result of being under Satan’s influence.

Paul addresses several key points about Satan: he is a real and dangerous enemy, adept at deception and causing doubt, yet ultimately, he is under God's control. Satan is constantly trying to undermine believers by making them question God’s word and goodness, but his power is limited, as shown in the story of Job. Jesus' power, in contrast, is ultimate, and he easily triumphs over Satan in both the Gospels and Revelation. Believers must rely on God’s strength, not their own, in spiritual warfare. Like children who depend on their parents' strength for protection, Christians access the power of God when they rely on Him, rather than their own ability.

Paul’s command to "put on the full armor of God" emphasizes that believers have access to divine protection, but they must actively use it. The armor, including the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit, represents both a defensive and offensive strategy against Satan's attacks. He underscores the need for believers to know, trust, and apply the truth of God’s word in their lives. Prayer, too, is essential for spiritual resilience. As Paul requests prayer for boldness in his mission, he encourages believers to also seek boldness in their own lives, knowing that they fight from a position of victory, with Christ as their ultimate source of power!

In our passage this Sunday, Paul emphasizes how the gospel transforms relationships in the home and workplace. Paul instructs children to obey their parents, noting that this is the natural order of things. He highlights that honoring parents is the first commandment with a promise, (“that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land”) indicating that proper family dynamics have long-term benefits for children. Paul also stresses the importance of parents—especially fathers—providing Godly instruction and discipline. They are encouraged to raise their children in a way that prepares them for a well-ordered life and, ultimately, for meeting Christ.

But how is this done?

Parents are warned not to discipline out of insecurity or anger, which can provoke children to frustration or rebellion. Instead, they are called to model their parenting on the deep love and wisdom of God, acting with intentionality and grace. Paul also reminds parents that their children’s greatest need is to grow in a relationship with the Lord. Withholding correction out of fear of the child’s rejection, or what others might think, does not serve our children’s well-being.

Insecure and anxious parents don’t make good parents - we’ve all been there!

Paul’s instructions extend beyond family, addressing the roles of bondservants. He encourages bondservants to serve with sincerity, as they ultimately serve Christ. The owners of the house are called to treat their servants with respect and care, recognizing that both they and their servants are under the authority of God, who shows no partiality. Through these teachings, Paul introduces a countercultural view that the gospel reshapes all relationships, aligning them with God’s standards of love, fairness, and responsibility.

As Christians we all have people who are entrusted to our care, it is our responsibility to lift them to the Lord. By lifting others up, we demonstrate what God did for us. We give witness to the power of the gospel and the love of Christ who lifted us up to salvation.

In our passage this Sunday, the Apostle Paul explores the theme of submission within the family. The fact is, we are all called to place ourselves under authority. "Submit one to another,” says Paul. As one of your Pastors, I am under the authority of the Elders - this is a great thing. It brings accountability and protection.

And yet, is there a more incendiary word than submission in our culture today? A common misconception is that submission means inferiority or “less than.” Nothing could be farther from the truth. Jesus spent his entire life submitting to the will of the Father. The fact is it requires great strength to place oneself under the authority of another for mutual benefit. Using Jesus and his bride, the church as a model, Paul explains that submission within a family does not diminish value but reflects God’s design for order and support within family relationships including the roles of husbands and wives.

For wives, submission to their husbands is likened to the church’s submission to Christ—an act grounded in trust and reverence, but never in mindlessness or subservience. Husbands, in turn, are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church, a self-sacrificial love that prioritizes their wives' holiness and spiritual well-being. 

Husbands, to lead the home is to love like Jesus and offer yourself in servant leadership. It is a man's responsibility to nurture and cherish his wife, leading her toward Christlikeness through humility, prayer and devotion. The question to ask yourself is this: Is my wife more like Jesus because she is married to me?

Paul reflects on the broader mystery of marriage as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the church. When both husbands and wives honor their God-given roles, they foster a relationship marked by love and respect that mirrors the profound union of Christ and his people.

In Ephesians 5, the Apostle Paul challenges Christians to live in a manner worthy of their calling. He emphasizes that knowing who God is and what He has done should lead us to obedience. This includes sexual purity and greed. Despite cultural resistance, Paul warns that sexual immorality, impurity, and coveting should not be present in the lives of Christians as these behaviors distort God's design for relationships and sexuality. Are we not seeing the damaging consequences of the sexual revolution that began 60 years ago? Now more than ever we encounter broken families, loneliness, objectification, and general dissatisfaction in relationships.

Paul contrasts this with the Christian sexual ethic, which promotes purity, mutual respect, and love within the boundaries of marriage. For Paul, sexual sin is not just about physical actions but reflects deeper issues of greed and idolatry, where lust and self-gratification take precedence over God’s will. He urges Christians to avoid even the slightest compromise, recognizing that feeding these desires leads to deeper moral corruption.

Paul also highlights the importance of gratitude and purity in speech, contrasting it with the harmful effects of crude talk and foolishness. He explains that these behaviors are out of place for believers and can easily lead to further moral decay. Instead, Christians are called to walk as children of light, exposing the unfruitful works of darkness and living in a way that reflects God’s goodness and truth. By doing so, they resist the corrupting influences of theworld and align themselves with the will of the Lord, living in the fullness of His Spirit. Our world is in desperate need of the higher Christian ethic!

Our text this Sunday focuses on the decisive action needed to overcome sin. I am reminded of the metaphor from C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce. The main character has a lizard on his shoulder which represents sin and temptation, constantly leading the man astray. One day an angel appears and says, “I can remove that lizard by killing it.” The lizard senses his approaching doom and begins to whisper excuses to delay the action. “I will be good from now on. I won’t go too far. You and I have been together for so long now.” The angel gives his response to the man, “This moment will define all moments to come. Are you ready?” The angel’s command to kill the lizard illustrates the need for immediate and complete rejection of sin in our lives, as delaying only strengthens its hold. The message stresses that confronting sin head-on will impact the rest of one's life and spiritual journey.

In the second half of Ephesians 4, the Paul contrasts the old way of living, characterized by darkened minds, hardened hearts, and reckless behavior, with the new life in Christ. Paul’s command to "put off the old self" and be renewed in mind is likened to changing a worn-out wardrobe, where believers must remove the familiar, sinful habits to embrace a new, righteous identity in Christ. The transformation begins in the mind, requiring believers to reject what was and actively pursue a life of what can be.

We need help with this, thankfully there’s practical guidance on how this new life should look—speaking truth, handling anger righteously, working honestly, and speaking words that build others up. Paul’s call is not just for external behavior changes, but for an inward renewal that results in kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness. The takeaway is that Christians should not blend into the world like chameleons (to continue the reptile metaphor) but stand out as agents of change, dressed in the righteousness of Christ.

In a world marked by division, God's people should stand out as the most unified force on the planet. In Ephesians chapter 4, Paul transitions from theology to practical application, urging believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling" they have received. 

Paul is thinking of the theological realities described in the earlier chapters; and they are amazing…

- we are chosen

- we are redeemed

- we are sealed by the Holy Spirit

Therefore, we are called to live lives that reflect these profound spiritual truths.

Paul introduces the concept of “walking worthy” by explaining that it involves two major characteristics: unity and holiness. He highlights the importance of humility, gentleness, and patience as foundational qualities that foster unity among believers. In a world rife with division and alienation, Paul underscores the need for Christians to embody the unity that comes from the Spirit, maintained through the bond of peace. This unity is not uniformity, but rather a harmonious relationship rooted in shared faith and mutual love, despite our differences.

Paul also discusses the diversity of gifts within the church, given by Christ to promote unity and build up the body of believers. These gifts include ministries such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors, each serving to equip the saints for ministry and to help the church grow into maturity in Christ. The goal is for the church to attain unity in faith and knowledge, enabling it to stand firm against false teachings and to grow together in love. This is discipleship. Paul encourages every believer to participate in ministry, emphasizing that when each part of the body functions properly, the church builds itself up in love, reflecting the fullness of Christ. 

Let me ask you friend, what is your part? What is your ministry to the saints? We need you!!