This week we conclude our study of Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi. Paul encourages us to be content no matter what the circumstances are. In fact, Paul’s contentment is independent of circumstances, whether bad or good. Paul is not superman and does not expect us to be either, but He knows God. He knows that God is strong and willing to provide all of His needs. It is also to God that Paul gives the glory to as He closes out His letter. Paul is content for the glory of God. May we live with such a perspective as we go into 2010.

The night of Jesus' birth was not completely a silent night. As we see the cosmic view of Christmas we see a battle in the heavens. The Red Dragon (Satan) and his cohorts try to devour the Son of God. Their attempt is empty and Christ is victorious in His advent. Through this view we see that Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter, the Ascension and Christ's second advent is really one glorious event.

On this Christmas Eve night we reflect on what Mary cherished and treasured in her heart at the birth of Jesus. She prized being regarded by God, Jesus being God, the glory of God and Jesus being the Savior.

Today Paul encourages us to continue growing in maturity. Sadly, many in the church rarely progress in their faith. As we continue forward, holiness and the things of Christ should become more and more attractive while the things of this world become less and less desirable. This was the case for Paul and he encourages us today to follow his example.

During this season we will continue to walk through Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi. Today Paul shows us what the most important thing in life is. To Paul everything else is rubbish. Paul desires for the Philippians to have the same perspective. Our relationship with Christ should be everything to us. May you behold Christ this season and treasure knowing Him.

None of us want to waste our lives. So what is a life worth living? This week we will see two lives who were not wasted that are worth following. Join us this Sunday as we continue in our study of Paul's letter to the church at Philippi. This Sunday also begins our Advent celebration.

Paul calls the church at Philippi to shine as lights in the world. That is the same call given to us by Jesus when He says, You are the light of the world. It is a call to be different than the crooked and perverse generation that we live among. It is a call to be holy and to be like Jesus. Today as we experience corporate worship as one family we will look at four gifts that God gives us and how they should impact us this Advent season (which begins next Sunday), so that our lives shine like stars in this dark world.

What is our responsibility as a believer in becoming more like Christ? What is God’s part in such a work? The New Testament says things like work out, fight, run, press on, put on, and put off when speaking to the Christian. Today we will see in Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi that we are to diligently work together with Christ in this work of becoming more like Jesus.

Last week in Philippians, Paul began his plea for unity in his letter to the church at Philippi. He called for them with one spirit and one mind to strive together for the faith of the gospel. He continues this week with this central plea, longing for them to be of the same mind. This week we will see Paul explain this unity. We will see the why, what and how of unity. Unity is a work of God and the church needs this great work.