This is the second week of our three week Christmas series called "Hope Is Here."  Today we learn that Jesus was sent as the Savior of the world and if anyone follows his path they will always find shelter from any of the storms of life.

Merry Christmas!

This is the first week of our three week Christmas series called "Hope Is Here,"

where we look beyond the story of a baby born in Bethlehem and hear the story of Jesus as Creator of everything.

This is battle of Ai, round 2. This time Joshua inquires of the Lord. For us, the Lord will guide and sometimes correct our steps, even the small steps. After the victory they head to Shechem to renew the covenant just like Moses instructed. We too, celebrate and renew our new covenant through communion, remembering Jesus and his sacrifice.

God's anger burned against Israel because they broke their covenant of faith with him.  He allowed their defeat at Ai to remind them how seriously he hates sin.  Fortunately for us, our covenant is based on the works of Jesus Christ, not our own, so we can overcome sin and live the new life God has for us.

The destruction of Jericho was one of the most miraculous victories God's people would celebrate as the conquest to take the Promised Land ensued.  But, the story also contains a terrifying detail and if we don't understand what God was really doing we might never believe God is good.