This Advent season, we work hard to embrace the uncomfortable: the waiting, the silence, the longing. True joy isn't found in the rush, but in the quiet assurance that God is in control. Joy happens 'in all this,' not 'because of this' and we are invited to trust, even when we can't see the whole picture.

The back story of Christmas teaches us that even in the darkest moments of doubt and silence, God is working behind the scenes. May we be encouraged to embrace seasons of waiting, recognizing them as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper trust in God's steadfast love. Even when we can't see evidence of God's work in our lives, may we trust that He never forgets His promises to us.

As the Advent season begins, we are reminded that we hope because of who God is, who God has always been, and who God continues to be. Our hope is not unrealistic. While we may live in a reality of brokenness and despair, and we know that things are not as they should be, we hope in God, who continually works to make things right and good and whole.

No one plans to be ungrateful. Being thankful is central to our faith but we can struggle like the wandering Israelites and habitually forget to be thankful. Gratitude is far more than praise and devotion. It is a resource that can make or break our attitudes, our spiritual life, and our Christian communities.

According to Jesus, his followers would look and act much differently than the world around them. To a group of people who had no standing in their world, he described as salt and light, two incredibly valued commodities. Why do we attempt to be extravagantly generous? Because we believe Jesus has purposefully placed us and what we do matters!

No one wants to be remembered as a greedy or selfish person. So, what do you do to live a more generous life? Jesus tells a shocking parable that shows us exactly what God expects when it comes to generosity, and the message is surprisingly liberating. Jesus calls you to start with what you have, not with what you don’t have.

Our culture spins a clear picture of what you should do with your money: spend it (whether you have it or not). Not only does this lead to stress, debt and being overwhelmed, it also leads to unhappiness. God wants something FOR you far more than he wants something FROM you. So what's the path to freedom?

Maybe you find it hard to talk about money. Most of us do. Maybe your parents never talked about money, or fought over it. Besides, what you do with your personal resources is nobody’s business, right? Jesus wasn’t so sure. He often spoke about money in a deeply challenging way, as was the case with a wealthy young influencer. What he said to that rich young ruler can change your life too.

Now it's personal. Jesus says to those who follow him, “Rejoice and be glad when you are persecuted for my sake.” This one gives us no wiggle room for debate but instead confronts us with the serious consequence of following Jesus in the world: it will be hard. But as we do what's hard, there is a wonderful reward.

An essential characteristic of someone living in the kingdom of God is that they are seeking peace. The kingdom of God cannot be at war within itself. And as such, we must continually work for true peace among people. It's not enough to avoid conflict or ignore hard conversations but are called to actively pursue peace.