Matthew 23:23-24

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.”

Love: Zephaniah 3:14-20; 1 John 4:7-12

Joy: Isaiah 12:1-6; Luke 1:26-38

Peace: Isaiah 40:1-11; Luke 1:5-17 

Hope Matthew 1:18-25

From long ago, God’s people have hope in the promise that God himself would visit them, ushering in a new age of peace, joy, and his steadfast love. In the face of sin, exile, and oppression, hope waned, and the darkness grew. But then, in the fullness of time, the promise was kept. God himself visited his people. Jesus Christ, the Light of the World came.

2020 has been a year low on hope and peace. Joy is an afterthought, and love has perhaps grown cold. The world has again grown dark. But God has not forgotten his promises. The Light has come. Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love have come. And the Light is coming again.

St. Paul was imprisoned unjustly for his proclamation of Christ.  He called his jail time an opportunity to advance the gospel.  He said, “My imprisonment is for Christ.” What opportunity stands before you?

Carefree (Not Anxious): “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matt. 5:6)

Focused (Not Scattered)

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  (Matthew. 5:3).

The Hidden Kingdom: Matthew 5:5; 6:1-18

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”  (Matt. 5:5)

Truth (Not Deceit) Matthew 5:8,33-37

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”  (Matt. 5:8)