The mystery of Advent is revealed in the gospel, which is the message that we are in Christ, Christ is in us, and everything we need can be had in Christ.

Every Christmas we're reminded of the coming kingdom of God that ushers in perfect universal peace. Until then the only peace we will know can be in our heart through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the king.

We can sometimes believe that because we aren't gifted or impressive that we don't have what it takes to make difference for Christ in our world. But the truth is no one has what it takes. . Only God can does. He promises us, "my grace is sufficient."

Everyone is seeking for security, approval, acceptance, comfort, meaning, and purpose. Only God can give those things ultimately. He offers them to us in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ. Do you know Him personally? Are you personally making Him known?

We exist to pursue Christ with passion and present Christ with purpose. People who live passionately maximize their abilities and talent and impact. Christ loved God and fully lived so that we can love God and live fully ourselves. And He’s who this all about.

Whatever the barrier for us to talk of Christ to others and whatever the barrier for the person we're going to talk to trust Christ. God knows just the right way to bring things to a boil.

God is sovereign over giving or withholding opportunities in our lives. He takes full responsibility for the results. We respond in faith while we wait and obedience when we are called. Sometimes it's not until walking through the open doors that we come to understand the closed doors.

Disagreements are inevitable. Even among Christians. Spiritual maturity is being able to handle that with grace and humility. Even if a separation is necessary.

On the one hand, salvation by grace alone is not to be compromised. On the other hand, love should be demonstrated toward others when the issue isn’t central. When the emphasis is on works or self we either compromise or live selfishly. When we emphasize Christ's grace we live lovingly.