Our lives consist of many things, activities, and people, some of which are much more important to us than others. One key to living well is to actually make the most important matters most important.

Two thousand years ago, an angel told the good news of the birth of a Savior, who would bring peace on earth. A few decades later, Peter spoke of the good news of peace through Christ that was sent first to Israel, and then he proceeded to tell that same good news to a Gentile audience. Today, …

God not only wants us to have peace with him and peace within ourselves, he also wants us to be at peace with each other. But how can we be at peace when we are all so different and sometimes hold our views and perspectives so strongly?

Jesus knew his departure from earth would be difficult for his disciples, so he sought to give them peace. Not only were they losing the physical presence of their teacher and friend, taking on the mission Jesus had trained them for would be daunting for them, and all the more so in his absence. So Jesus sought to give them peace by …

Last week we noted that in this world we will experience trouble, persecution and sin.  Knowing to expect such things as a part of normal Christian life helps a little bit, but they are unpleasant enough that they still often rob us of peace.  Is there any more help than knowing to expect them? 

Anytime our expectations are not met, it can generate unpleasant or even unhealthy feelings. This is true of our expectations of Christianity as well. If our actual experience of following Jesus is significantly different than what we expected, we may become disappointed, discouraged, or even angry.

At Christmastime we focused on the angel's announcement of peace on earth through the birth of the Savior and learned from a woman who found peace in her relationship with God. Today we move on to the next step…

The angels announced the good news of a Savior that would result in peace on earth. It is fitting to join the angels in glorifying God for this, but how do we come to have the peace that is promised?

Christmas can be a wonderful time! Not only can it strengthen us spiritually, as we remember our Savior coming into the world, we can also enjoy time off from work, fellowship with family and friends, travel, beautiful decorations, good food and sweets, and giving and receiving gifts. Unfortunately, things don't always turn out like we wish.

Most of us have some convictions about worship as well as some personal preferences. But what if we could have all those things? What that make us true worshipers? How well do your concerns about worship match up with Jesus' concerns?