Advent is a season of Hope - because we see what God has already done.

God intends to call people to himself through his son and his son's followers for what is to come.

God intends to bring shalom - peace, nothing missing and nothing broken, to all creation. That's the message of God's and humanity's story in scripture.

Jesus, after cooking and eating breakfast with some of his disciples, addresses Peter. "Do you love me more than these?" In a dramatic scene, Peter is restored.

Jesus shows up as some of the disciples are fishing. He (again) tells them where to fish. And then they eat together. Fellowship and community around a meal - that's life. "Friends, haven't you any fish?"

Mary Magdalene goes to Jesus' tomb and discovers things are not as she expected. Peter and John see the empty tomb, also... but then, Mary meets Jesus face to face. And finally, most of the others. It's hard to believe, as Thomas demonstrates. What to make of all this?

Jesus allows himself to be handed over to the execution squad and crucified; He is lifted up, using his own scriptural language. Nicodemus, to whom Jesus explained his purpose and significance in John's gospel, helps to carry him to a new tomb. That explanation sets the context for Jesus' death on the cross.

Jesus is taken before Pilate, the Roman governmor, for a "trial" early in the day. The temple authorities demand he be crucified. Pilate isn't so sure. "Are you king of the Jews?" And then there's the matter of Barabbas. This episode covers John 18.28 to 19.16.

Jesus is betrayed by one disciple, denied by another, and abandoned by the rest! They just don't understand what he is doing or why. How can these things happen to the chosen one? These failures set the scene for restoration and deepened understanding to come. This episode covers John 18.1-27.

In this episode, covering John 17.1-27, Jesus has a conversation with his Father regarding those who follow him - out loud, where some of them can hear! He's talking about them! And one of them, John, writes about it.