Israel was waiting for their Messiah through years of silence from God. Then, a miraculous birth was announced with angels, trumpets, shepherds and Magi. He was here, the one to save them…but not they way they thought. The Messiah was about to bring peace on earth, but it was shalom, not a military presence. Peace with God was now available to everyone if they simply believed Jesus was the one the world was waiting for.

Christmas season finds all of us rushing and preparing. From decorations to gifts, parties, meals and more, we are on the move day after day. We rarely slow down to think through the details of the season and what it took for Jesus to be with us. Our story of salvation began when He laid down his splendor and majesty to become a baby in a manger…a greater sacrifice then we could ever know.

Jesus started a movement of love and reconciliation, and he commanded his disciples to copy him. So much so, that Jesus gives them the example that as much as the Father has loved Him, He has loved them. Now they are to go and love each other the same way. Seems clear, but sadly that is not what believers are known for. We should be known for crazy, radical love for each other. Instead, we are known more by how we do not love. Jesus’ command to love speaks directly into the modern church, and it is time to change.

To understand how to follow Jesus requires us to have a clear view of His authority. John begins his letter with a clear view of Jesus as one who was not only there in the beginning of creation, everything was created through Him. As being the Word – or the action of God – Jesus has all authority over all of creation. How does this impact our lives as we seek to follow Him?

So many people claim to have the right answers about God. Some based on feelings, experiences, and preference. Others scour the scriptures trying to understand more about who Jesus is. The truth is, that if we do now KNOW the Way, we will never know our way. With Jesus as the central figure of our story, what must we do to know Him better?

There are all sorts of sub culture groups that we ascribe to. They impact what we think, what we do, and how we respond to circumstances. While community is good, if the culture influencing that community isn’t bound up in Truth we can get sidetracked. We can find ourselves angry, confused, sad…lost. There’s one agenda we are called to subscribe to. Jesus is The Way, the way to freedom, peace, joy…everlasting life. Together, we will discover what we receive when we live and abide in The Way.

Paul once again needs to warn the church in Thessalonica. They were being misinformed and confused that the time for Jesus to return has come. However, signs of the end were not there yet. Most obvious, is the rise of the antichrist who would demand to be worshipped as God. This man will be overthrown by the simple word of the Jesus, and will usher in the end. This sign has not come yet, but will we be ready and stand strong if it happens in our lifetime?

After Paul’s instruction about death and the resurrection, He continues to challenge and encourage the church: be ready for Christ’s return. We don’t know when He’s coming, but it will be like a thief in the night and we need to be fully ready for Him. Living the in the truth of His imminent return, are we doing what we should be doing to prepare?

Death is something everyone must process, yet so many people have varying beliefs and views. Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians encourages them with the truth that we should grieve death, but different from the world. We have hope in the words of Jesus that both the dead and alive will meet Him in the air when He returns. How do we hold that grief of death in view of eternal hope in Christ?

From the time that Jesus left the earth, believers have been anticipating his return as king. Generation after generation believes their time is the time He is coming, but we all still wait. As we wait, what should we doing? Paul challenges the believers in Thessalonica to focus on their holiness so they are ready. Nobody knows the time Jesus will return except the Father. So what are we to do with our lives so when He comes, we are blameless?