The death of Jesus hangs over every aspect of the story as some plot to betray and kill him. Some swear their allegiance and one demonstrates her love in costly devotion.

There are strong words of warning about lazy servants and judgement coming on the nations. What does all this mean for us living as disciples of Jesus today?

Today, Jesus reminds us that the imminence and totality of the kingdom of heaven requires an urgency and exhaustiveness of preparation.

We continue to listen to Jesus teach his disciples, and we come to a much-debated passage about the end of the age. These words have been the cause of much speculation and confusion, so how should we understand these things so that we are ready and not alarmed as Jesus intends?

Jesus has stern warnings about hypocritical leaders, and he dishes out "the woes" on the Scribes and Pharisees in a big way. But as Jesus goes after those who should have known and taught the way of God, is he angry, or is he broken hearted ....or is it both?

Today we listen to the teaching of Jesus as he easily answers questions put to him by the religious leaders to trap him. While we see that Jesus is a far superior teacher, we also hear profound teaching about our life now and the life to come, and we would do well to listen closely.

In Matthew 22, Jesus speaks about the invitation for all to come and join in the great celebration of his wedding banquet. His words are a challenge to accept the gracious invitation ourselves as well as to extend the invitation to those around us.

Today we conclude the investigation into the good news of Christmas according to the four different gospel writers by hearing from Jesus' close friend and disciple John. We discover that, for him, the good news of Christmas is all about the arrival of God with us - Immanuel.

In his second letter, the Apostle Peter reminds believers of the certainty of God's promises, as well as God's great mercy and patience in giving time for people to hear and respond to the gospel of salvation.

As we begin a new year, we are reminded of the overflowing blessings that God has showered on us in the Gospel. We have peace with God and a sure hope, and all of this comes to us because of the demonstration of God's love in the sacrifice that Christ made for us.