As a new year dawns, Deacon John Lotter reviews what the Bible has to say about time.

Intro/Outro Song Title: River MeditationArtist: Jason ShawSource:http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jason_Shaw/Audionautix_Acoustic/RIVER_MEDITATION___________2-58License:(CC BY 3.0 US)

In Matthew 12:43-50, Jesus reveals how our lives must be filled by him and the identity of his true family.

Intro/Outro Song Title: River MeditationArtist: Jason ShawSource:http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jason_Shaw/Audionautix_Acoustic/RIVER_MEDITATION___________2-58License:(CC BY 3.0 US)

People talk much about ‘peace’ at Christmas, about ending war, but it all seems to be empty words without effect. Where can the peace of Christmas be found?

Intro/Outro Song Title: River MeditationArtist: Jason ShawSource:http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jason_Shaw/Audionautix_Acoustic/RIVER_MEDITATION___________2-58License:(CC BY 3.0 US)

Pastor Tom takes us across the Old Testament to gather together some of the prophetic pieces that point to Jesus as the promised Messiah, the Branch of David.

Intro/Outro Song Title: River MeditationArtist: Jason ShawSource:http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jason_Shaw/Audionautix_Acoustic/RIVER_MEDITATION___________2-58License:(CC BY 3.0 US)

Pastor Tom takes into Genesis 2 and 3 to locate the origin of ‘the problem’ of this world, clearing the way for appreciating the significance of Christ’s advent.

Intro/Outro Song Title: River MeditationArtist: Jason ShawSource:http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jason_Shaw/Audionautix_Acoustic/RIVER_MEDITATION___________2-58License:(CC BY 3.0 US)

Pastor Tom takes into Genesis 2 and 3 to locate the origin of ‘the problem’ of this world, clearing the way for appreciating the significance of Christ’s advent.

Intro/Outro Song Title: River MeditationArtist: Jason ShawSource:http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jason_Shaw/Audionautix_Acoustic/RIVER_MEDITATION___________2-58License:(CC BY 3.0 US)

Pastor Tom takes us to Psalm 138 to learn from David why we should be giving thanks and praise to God.

Intro/Outro Song Title: River MeditationArtist: Jason ShawSource:http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jason_Shaw/Audionautix_Acoustic/RIVER_MEDITATION___________2-58License:(CC BY 3.0 US)

The Pharisees press Jesus for more signs, to prove his identity as Messiah. Pastor Tom helps us consider the ways in which we similarly clamor for more signs rather than responding with faith to what has been revealed.

Intro/Outro Song Title: River MeditationArtist: Jason ShawSource:http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jason_Shaw/Audionautix_Acoustic/RIVER_MEDITATION___________2-58License:(CC BY 3.0 US)

In Matthew 12:22-37, the Pharisees call the work of the Holy Spirit in Jesus's ministry demonic. In doing this, Jesus says they both commit blasphemy and make themselves enemies of the Kingdom of God.

Intro/Outro Song Title: River MeditationArtist: Jason ShawSource:http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jason_Shaw/Audionautix_Acoustic/RIVER_MEDITATION___________2-58License:(CC BY 3.0 US)

With people plotting against his life, we would expect Jesus to get body guards and raise an army to secure the deliverance expected of a Messiah. Yet he does none of that, and in process fulfills prophetic expectations for the Messiah.

Intro/Outro Song Title: River MeditationArtist: Jason ShawSource:http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jason_Shaw/Audionautix_Acoustic/RIVER_MEDITATION___________2-58License:(CC BY 3.0 US)