In the end, every king and every kingdom will fail until the perfect King comes. As we start the new year, find real hope in God, whose mercies are new every morning. And whatever the year brings - rise or fall - hope in the Perfect King.

Isaiah brings God's message of hope in this passage. He tells them that their trouble will turn to peace, their gloom will turn to joy, and their darkness will turn to light. Why? Because the Prince of Peace is coming. In troubled times, hope in the Prince of Peace.

In the book of Micah, things are looking hopeless for the people of Judah. God uses Micah to bring a prophecy about God's Eternal Ruler to be born in little Bethlehem that was meant to keep them hoping in God's promises rather than their circumstances. In dark times, we too can hope in God's Eternal Ruler.

God would come in the flesh as Immanuel (God with us) to fulfill His promises and save His people. Because God Himself fulfills His promises, hope is never lost. Do not be afraid, God-with-us will keep His promises.

In epic fashion, as the serpent, Adam, and Eve ruin God's perfect creation, God promises that there will One to come who will slay the Serpent. Hear this prophecy in Genesis and understand what it means to find victory in God's Serpent-Slayer.

As Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure, He tells them exactly what they are to do to show the world they are His followers. He tells them exactly what it looks like to be a Christian.

As much as we hate to admit it, like Judas we are betrayers. Each of us, knowing who Jesus is, has chosen to commit the very acts of sin that put Him on the cross. Yet He loves us. Come to the Savior who loves even those who betray Him.

Jesus shows the disciples His love and what He came to do - to get messy as He cleans up our filth. And He is showing them exactly what they need to do - humbly help others find cleansing in Jesus, too. In perfect love, Jesus cleanses our filth so we can humbly help others get clean too. Watch, rinse, and repeat.

Many who encountered Jesus, the light of the World, tried to ignore the truth through distractions - giving their attention to other things. In John 12:37-50, Jesus calls the crowds to believe in Him while there's still time. What is distracting you from Jesus? Believe in Him before the night falls.

Jesus explains his death is the most productive, worthwhile, and glorious thing he could do. Shockingly, he also teaches that Christians should follow his example. This passage calls us to consider why the glory of Jesus lifted up on the cross draws all people to believe and follow.