It is not controversial, I think, to say that times are difficult right now. The world is unstable and feels like it can never be repaired. Peace seems tenuous and life seems to be only getting harder, with little hope of relief.

In these dark times, however, can come the greatest light. We must trust in the LORD and in the path of the righteous, even when it seems nigh impossible.

Politics in the United States have rarely been stable, but the past decade in general and these past few months in particular have seen a new wave of radicalism and urgency as both sides seek to strengthen their own power before the United States plunges into the uncertain future.

Today, we discuss the recent Address to Congress, and I share some of my own thoughts on President Trump's message as well as the state of the country, and what I foresee for the near future, both in the country and the world.

The glory of creation exists in its grand complexity, in the way that all things harmonize into a single grand whole. The beauty of the natural world offers endless insight into the might and splendor of the LORD.

Yet, as always, humanity pushes the limits of what it means to be stewards of all creation - does progress for its own sake, when it runs counter to what already exists, truly have a place in the world?

Has humanity, in this era of interconnectedness and endless content, lost the ability to simply coexist with that which surrounds us?

We have once again entered the turbulent period of transition and uncertainty which inevitably follows the election of a new government. With this, society has once again fallen into disharmony, partisan division, and conflict.

Today, let us talk about the system which, by its very design, exists to facilitate this unrest and chaos, which exists to benefit those in power and to promote the interests and strength of those who claim the mandate to rule, as well as what the common people can do to stand against such tyranny.

As we enter this season of celebration and joy, we must all remember what- and who- it is we celebrate.

This is the season of the Messiah, of his birth and glory, and it is the season where history changed, where the Savior first entered the world, not as a conquering hero or noble king, but as a child born to a young woman, destined to save us all.

Join us as we examine the stories of the birth of the Messiah in Matthew and Luke and see how this child came to be born and the world was changed forever.