We live in a world that is more socially connected, yet existentially lonely, than ever before. Though endemic in our culture, this loneliness was never God’s intention for us. Rather, he created us to be known and loved—in families, in communities, and in the church —so that we might be more effective at accomplishing his work in the world.

In Genesis 2, the creation story is told from a different perspective. Having created a world of abundance, God discovered that something was missing. A steward was needed—someone to care for this creation and ensure that its full potential for flourishing could be unleashed. In response to such a need, God designed the perfect solution: humanity. The first example of human centered design.

Not many people today practice the sabbath or even think about it. However, the sabbath is an integral part of the creation story, of the fabric of the universe, and of the God-given rhythms that lead to flourishing. Let’s re-examine the sabbath and open our lives to this great gift that God has given.

Are you striving to be, and to project as, a successful person and hoping that it will fulfill you? If so, how’s that working for you? And what might God have to say to those of us who feel compelled to be successful? Let’s return to the beginning, when God created humans.

The story in Genesis 1 is often read with the wrong questions in mind. Instead of addressing how the world came to be, this story describes the one who caused the world to be. It is a story of “who”, not “how”. As we read this story about a God who is a Creator, we see over and over again that this world was created by a good God to be a blessing. Our response is simple: to turn to Him in worship.

In the beginning, the earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep—like our lives at times. When life throws you back to what feels like a primordial state, then what?

Jesus miraculously feeds more than 5000 people; then he walks on water. His sermon following these events should have spawned a huge following; instead, everyone left. We must answer the question Jesus asks his disciples, "Do you want to go away as well?"

On Christmas Eve, we celebrate the mind-boggling fact that through the birth of Jesus Christ, God became human. God is with us. But why is this fact worth celebrating? God’s presence is a comfort to us because He is capable of protecting us. God’s presence is a challenge to us because He invites us to lay down our independence. Finally, God’s presence is a call to follow Jesus into the life of purpose and meaning that we were created to live through the Spirit. This Christmas Eve, be comforted, be challenged and be called forward.

At Christmastime, we remember God’s greatest gift to us: his Son. What’s inside? John unwraps the present in John 1:14-18.

The biblical story is a story that starts with goodness, moves to tragedy, and ends with incredible joy. That whole story is summed up in five verses in the middle of the prologue to the gospel of John. The good news of these verses is indeed the Good News of the whole Bible: we have the opportunity to become children of God.