Brett Ullman in The Walking Wounded begins to address how to walk back towards healing and away from our emotions, feelings, and thoughts that are keeping us paralyzed in life.

We do not need to live in shame; God is willing to forgive us of our wrongs and deliver us from shame.

Our identity as God’s image is expressed in participating collectively in stewarding God’s creation so that it flourishes.

Being created ‘in God’s image’ speaks to our identity as being a child of God, part of his creation family.

Jesus is not dressed-up as human, he is the living blueprint for us of God’s design for humans.

Mankind’s value, significance, and purpose find their source and security in God’s choice to care for us, to crown us with regal glory, and to commission us to represent him to the cosmos.

As we turn the page to the new year, we are invited to follow the Magi who walked in “step with the Spirit” and freely worship the King. Jesus has come to set us free, to enter the Kingdom of God, to live the sort of lives we actually want to live in the Spirit.

This Christmas Eve, let’s remember that God entered into the hustle and bustle of Christmas to be with us. We have an opportunity to welcome his presence; on Christmas and throughout the year, as we await his return.

Following Jesus on the Path of Peace will require us to change and grow.

Instead of using ‘platforms’ to build a name for ourselves, we should be ‘pillars,’ faithfully bearing the name of God, serving his purpose and his people.