Christmas Eve 2022

The fourth and final week of Advent is the week of “Love”. We live in a world where the word “Love” is thrown around a lot but the actual thing seems to be in short supply. Too often the love we give to one another is conditional, based on what we have done or failed to do. Which is why the final title of Jesus that we are focusing on is so important, because it bears within it a sign of just how unconditional Jesus’ love for us is

Week 3 of Advent is known as the week of “Joy”. The people of Jesus’ day were those who were longing for something to rejoice in. They lived in a world that was harsh; poverty, disease, disaster, and Roman oppression marked their days. They longed for God to send a promised Savior. Which is why the third title of Jesus is so profound: He is called “Messiah,” the anointed one.

Week 2 of Advent is known as the week of “Peace.” We live in a world where people are desperate for peace: peace between nations, peace in their communities, peace in their homes, even inner peace. Sadly, we are too often left wondering where to find it, as the world’s solutions seem temporary at best.

Week 1 of Advent is often known as the week of “Hope”. Yet oftentimes hope seems to be far away, even at the holidays.

At the heart of the Christian faith is the belief in the resurrection of Jesus. So central is this one part of Jesus’ story that the apostle Paul once proclaimed, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1 Corinthians 15:14). But we often forget that this key part of our faith was not so obvious, even to Jesus’ first disciples. They too thought it was unbelievable…until they encountered him face-to-face.

Do you really want to follow Jesus? Are you sure? The account of Jesus’ arrest in John’s gospel is a stunning one in that it highlights the many reasons why people reject Jesus.

Our world is full of pain and suffering, disease and death. And it is tempting, in the face of it all, to despair and wonder, “Where is God in the midst of all this pain?

How does someone actually become a disciple of Jesus? The story of John 9 is a beautiful one because of how simply it answers what many believe to be a complex question. The man who encounters Jesus in this story believes because he once was blind and now he can see. Jesus says that this is truly what it means to be a part of his kingdom. It isn’t about how much you think you know, nor about the moral rules you keep; it is simply about knowing Jesus and what he has done for you.