As we live into another Advent under the weight of a pandemic, we're reminded that God is asking us to wait, anticipate, and trust. The redemption that began in a manger is coming.

Who is our King? Who is invited to his banquet table?

Knowing God will get the last word, our acts of mercy and justice, along with our communal acts of faithfulness, become signs of the God Kingdom – Queendom, Kin-dom – that is yet to come.

Dying to an old identity and being born into a new one takes time - even a lifetime. But Jesus invites us to this journey of finding true joy.

So, what does the truth of God revealed in Jesus Christ have to do with freedom? I am glad you asked.

Julie Chung, member of Mount Olivet, tells about her experiences with generosity growing up as a Korean immigrant, working for the State Department, and serving within her community.

Life as a disciple of Jesus Christ is about having your attitude about money, along with everything else, shaped by the good news that Christ has already accomplished all that was required for you to inherit eternal life. Nothing competes for your love of God and neighbor more than money.

Every good thing we have is because of God's generosity, and because we are created in God's image, that same generosity is in our DNA.

How do we get into heaven? What do we have to do? Well, oddly enough, we don't know. But maybe there's a better question to be asking.

COVID gave us a choice: adapt in how we make disciples, or don't. We chose to adapt.