Jesus never condemned wealth. He didn't say that having possessions was wrong, nor did he claim that poverty was more spiritual or that wealth was a sign of God's favor. What Jesus emphasized, time and time again, was a profound truth: The story of life is not about how much we have. The story of life is how we use what we have.

We have a complicated relationship with money. For many, it's a topic that brings up deep-seated feelings of guilt, shame, or anxiety – often stemming from our upbringing, cultural norms, or even religious teachings. But what if we could flip the script and develop a healthier perspective on our finances?

If our money could talk to us, what would it say? Maybe more amazing is the parallel between what our money might say and what Jesus DID say. Jesus viewed our wealth as a tool, a means not the end. If being a means to an end gives life meaning, to what ends do we want our lives to be a means?

The way of wisdom leads to life – abundant, purposeful, and meaningful. This isn't about following a set of rigid rules, but rather embracing a way of living that aligns with God's heart and purposes. Jesus invites us to that way but we must guard our hearts from distractions and keep our focus on Him.

Vision has to do with what we perceive. The biblical ideas of our eyes, vision, and focus relate to what we are attentive to. Where does our attention go in our thoughts and affections? This “focus” must be intentional, and to keep that focus we must develop habits for what to be attentive to, to get rid of the stinking thinking.

For Jesus, healthy vision wasn't just about the physical; it's about having a clear, focused purpose aligned with God's will and a generous heart that sees the world as He does. What shapes our ambitions, passions, and fears? Are we seeing the world and its challenges as God sees it?

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to lose focus on what truly matters. Just as athletes train with singular determination, we're called to fix our eyes on Jesus. Are there areas of your life where your focus might have become fuzzy or have there been distractions pulling you away from your spiritual journey?

Failure is an inevitable part of the human experience, even in our spiritual journeys. We're all going to fail in our walk with Jesus at some point. So how do we handle the failure? And maybe more importantly, how does Jesus approach us in those moments?

Merry Christmas! Thank you for joining us on this special night as we celebrate together. Grab a candle, enjoy some familiar carols and rejoice. The wait is over - Light has come!

Mary's part in the Christmas story is strange and hard to believe but also inspiring. Her words are not just a sweet lullaby or a gentle hymn. They are a powerful proclamation of hope, a declaration of God's transformative power, and a vision of a world turned upside down by divine intervention. They are a picture of peace.