Love is a Habit - We were created by God to love. We are more than thinkers and believers, at the core we are lovers who that which we love. The question is not if we worship, but who we worship? Therefore, we must calibrate our hearts, remember we are what you worship, and only be satisfied in Jesus.

We often confuse relief with hope. Relief is a great thing, but it is temporary. Hope, however, is lasting and is what we hold to despite our circumstances. Jesus came to bring hope that stays true through all things. No matter what we face this new year or years to come, Jesus is on the throne and gives us abounding hope through the Holy Spirit.

We go to work, school and sleep like if there aren’t any problems in the world. The truth is, if we take one step out of our comfort, the world’s problems become evident. It’s easy to stay in our safe places, avoiding trouble, but that’s not what Jesus did. In love Jesus came into this world to lay his life down sacrificially in our place. This love is for us! This love arrived that first Christmas morning and continues to change our lives today.

Christmas is all about joy! We are reminded of these three truths: joy breaks through our toughest and greatest times, joy comes in the morning and lastly, joy came to us by God through Jesus Christ.

Peace was delivered to us through Jesus that first Christmas morning. Jesus himself is peace, and he was born, lived, died and resurrected to bring us peace with God. Because Jesus is our peace, we can have a relationship with him knowing that his peace is bigger than our sins and all of our circumstances.

Advent isn't just the weeks leading up to Christmas, it's the time we get to look back at the hope that was brought to us that first Christmas morning, and a time to look to the hope that is still to come. Despite the countless issues and struggles in our world, one thing remains true: Jesus is our hope.

Every kingdom citizen is to build on the Rock that is Christ, not on the shifting sands of culture and emotion.

Putting God first takes time and effort. In the closing verses of Matthew 6remind us that God in control of all things at all times. Jesus commands us that as his people, we are to keep our faith in him first above all things, including the worries and pressures of life.

Whatever our heart is full of will determine what we treasure. Jesus teaches us to guard our heart from those things which the world promises to bring joy, but only leave us empty and wanting. Our joy comes not from things, but from Jesus.

Kingdom citizens avoid the pretentious prayers of the hypocrites. Kingdom citizens avoid the repetitious prayers of the unbelievers. Kingdom citizens pray to express their needs, desires, and dependence on their heavenly Father. Kingdom citizens pray to worship their Father, honoring His name, seeking His will, and trusting in His faithfulness.