We will explore 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, “Don’t Lose Heart,” as we prepare for a year of prayer. This passage reminds us of what we are called to do, who our real enemy is, and what God alone can accomplish. Hopefully, it will frame our prayers and motivate us to persevere.

Luke 18:1-8 is our text for today's sermon, which will be a springboard for our focus as a church in 2022 on prayer. We see in this parable a picture of what persistent intercession is like, and hope it inspires us to persist in prayer this upcoming year!

This week, we come to the “end” of our Advent Series, “Christmas from Beginning to End,” and reach its crescendo and culmination in Revelation 21:1-8. Here we get a picture of where we are headed, a time when the tension of this current world finds its resolution and we experience the full and complete redemption of the cosmos as all is made new. Here we find more than just rest for the weary and hope for the sorrowful – here we find everything as it should be, a vision of what is to come that, frankly, is beyond our comprehension and satisfies our deepest longings.

The long-awaited promise of a Messiah arrives in the birth of Jesus in Matthew 1:18-25! An unassuming couple, young and scandalously expecting a child before the consummation of their marriage, welcomes a baby into the world who will change everything. Two names in this passage shine a light on the Christ-child’s purpose: he is Jesus, because he will save his people from his sins and he is “Immanuel,” because he is God with us.

In this week's sermon, we consider Christmas in Isaiah. This prophetic book is rich in anticipation of the arrival of one who would bring hope in the midst of despair, peace in the midst of turmoil, and light in the midst of darkness. Who is sufficient to such a task? According to Isaiah 9:1-7, this can only be done by a son to be born, a child that is given who will bear the government on his shoulders and whose very name speaks of power combined with peace in a kingdom without end.

For the first Sunday in Advent, we look back to the very beginning: Genesis 3:1-24, where we see God's gracious promise of a Redeemer to come against the backdrop of sin's entrance into the world.

In contrast to the Pharisaical trend of the day, Jesus raises the bar on what qualifies as a legitimate end to the vows taken between husband and wife – but more than that, he reiterates the design and intent of marriage. Combined with his previous teaching on adultery and his later teaching on the matter in Matthew 19, we will see the absolute beauty and sacredness of marriage and once again marvel that our Savior pursues us with a fierce love despite our own infidelities.

We welcome to the pulpit Jared McClain, who serves as Pastoral Intern at Hope Presbyterian in Lexington, Kentucky. He has recently finished seminary, and is pursing ordination. In addition, he is the Northside Director at Lexington, Young Life. The first time Jared filled our pulpit, he was single. Now he is married to Kathryn and they have two beautiful children.

Jesus continues to drive the Old Testament law deeper into our souls as he once again examines us on the heart level. Last week, he likened anger to murder; this week, he likens lust to adultery. That is heavy stuff for sure. As we consider the implications, we will find again that our only true hope for fulfilling this law is to trust in the only one whose motives and intents are truly pure – the very person speaking the words of the text! He, then, truly is our righteousness, and recognizing that reality frees us to pursue, with vigor, not only purity of action but also purity of heart.