Jesus delivers a challenging word to the listeners of the Sermon on the Mount, yet he invites them to go deeper in their faith. He invites them to take a step further and live a life centered on love and mutual care. 

Jesus continues preaching the Sermon on the Mount and says that to be followers, they need to go deeper than following the minimum standard. The old way of living was to follow the letter of the law, but the new way of living is to follow the spirit of the law that is based on loving others. Jesus teaches that it's important to root out any part of us that causes harm to others, which transforms us into kingdom people. 

What do you think about when Jesus says, "You are the salt of the earth," and "You are the light of the world." Sometimes I feel kind of "salty" and my "saltiness" may get me into trouble, but Jesus said that we should not lose our saltiness. Jesus was not talking about the same kind of "saltiness" that we often think about today. Our saltiness can help others experience the realness of Christ. 

Micah 6:8 is a favorite Bible verse for many, but sometimes we don't look at the entire context to see what the prophet Micah is suggesting to the people of Israel. God challenges Israel for their lack of faith, and Micah offers a small portion that God requires. Is there still a place for sacrifice in religious practice?

When Jesus begins his ministry, he fulfills Isaiah's prophesy that "light has dawned." Through his ministry, Jesus brings light to people's darkness. What forms of darkness are in your life right now? Where do you need the light of Christ?

What is your favorite name of Jesus? Does it reflect your relationship with Jesus or the work God is calling you to do?

John the Baptist reveals who Jesus is by calling him the Lamb of God. God reveals who Jesus is at his baptism by saying, "This is my Son, the Beloved." God is always revealing the divine, so that we can know the divine more intimately. Where has God been revealed in your life?

Jesus, the light of the world, came into the world, so we can also be the light. Where can you shine light into someone's darkness?

On Christmas Eve, may we be present to what Christ is birthing within us. 

We must be open to receive the hope, peace, joy, and love Christ brings. What prevents you from receiving any of these?