How many times have you heard the Christmas story? The story of Christ’s incarnation can become so familiar to us that we lose the impact of just how scandalous it must have been. This week, we wrap up our Advent series on Awaiting the Light with Mr. Brian Denker, who leads us in imagining this old story anew. Join us as we consider the scandal of the incarnation.

Do you struggle with doubt? Has your faith fluctuated over the course of your discipleship? You are not alone. When John the Baptist was in prison, he feared that he had been wrong about Jesus. But Jesus’ response was surprising. Join us this week as our guest preacher, Dr. Gary Osborne encourages us to take comfort that doubt is a normal part of following Jesus.

What is peace and how do we know it when we see it? It can be discouraging to look for the peace of Christ when it seems all we see is violence, evil, and unrighteousness. This week, we light the peace candle and contemplate the promise of peace on earth, goodwill toward men. Guest preacher, Mr. Josh Krebs, expounds on the readings for the second Sunday in Advent. He reminds us that the bells of Christmas are a declaration of peace, a pronouncement that the table of the Lord is now open.

What is Christian hope? Is it simply wishful thinking or is it something more? This week, as we begin our Advent season together, we hear from our own Matt Wright, who reminds us of our ultimate hope in Jesus Christ. This hope is not only fulfilled in Jesus’ first Advent, but has been prophesied in his second Advent as well. The hope that is in us changes the way we live our lives and love our neighbors. Join us as we hear this Advent message, Something to Hope For.

What is power? Where does it come from and what is our relationship with it? This Sunday marks the final Sunday in the church year and we call it Christ the King Sunday. Join us this week as we remember that above all earthly powers, especially the power of death, our Lord Jesus Christ is the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

Where do you look for stability? Where do your foundations lie? This week’s gospel passage contrasts the stability of the earthly Temple in Jerusalem with the stability of eternal life promised in Jesus. We will interpret the instability of our lives here and now through a particular lens. The question is whether we will see instability through the lens of fear or through the lens of faith.

What has God called each of us to do in this life? How do we remain faithful to that call when we experience challenges and afflictions? This week, we focus on 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5, where St. Paul encourages his readers to pray, stand firm in the faith and to continue the work of ministry in the midst of persecution and affliction. Join us as Fr. Ben encourages us to remain steadfast and resolved to persevere in ministry.

What does it mean to be blessed? How do we receive blessing? Where does it come from? When Jesus delivered his famous Sermon on the Mount, he began with a passage we know as the Beatitudes, or the blessings. This week, Fr. Horace Tipton visits Mission Saint James from Marion, Arkansas. Join us as we hear his message of a blessedness that lasts for eternity.

After spending several weeks in Holy Scripture looking at creation, gender, marriage, children, and celibacy, what can we now say? What is the meaning of it all? How are we to understand these realities in light of God’s revealed Word? This week, Fr. Ben Williams wraps up our series, Very Good, with St. Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 5 on the analogy between Christ and his Church. It is all about Christ’s bride, the Church, and his unfailing love for her. It isn’t about you, it’s about our marriage to him.

How do we keep going when we are beset by so many trials, setbacks, and brokenness? Where is God when we cry out and only hear silence? This week, Dr. Gary Osborne joins us at Mission Saint James and shares a message about persisting in the faith, despite life’s many setbacks. When we are at our lowest is when trusting Christ is most important.