Jesus didn't just say "love your enemies" because it felt like it. He commanded it because, well, loving your enemies just what people do who recognize the difference between "were" and "are." Because how could you not?

#blessed is used as a label in over 106 million posts on the photo-sharing platform Instagram. But what does being blessed really look like? What situations, what types of life circumstances, merit the descriptor "blessed"? God gives us his answer through Paul, as Paul reflected on his "thorn in the flesh."

"Because you say so," was the reason...the only reason that Peter decided to do what Jesus suggested. And when Jesus' instructions paid off, all Peter could say was, "Get away, I am a sinful man!" But Jesus didn't get away--and what is more, he refused to leave, and instead came even closer. Does he do the same for you?

In short, the answer is “no.” And that’s a good thing, because it heals you of worry and anxiety about yourself, and your accomplishments, and you're standing. Instead, you’re free to simply rest in how special Jesus is.

The people were sitting at rapt attention as Jesus sat down and said, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." Turns out Jesus was the one promised to announce good news to the poor in spirit, to free the prisoners, and to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. What this all means for you and your relationships? It means forgiven people...forgive.

It was Jesus' first public miracle: he created 900 bottles of the best wine out of water at a wedding celebration. But why? What was the point of his miracle? What should the headline have read in the Daily Cana Chronicle?

Why did Jesus get baptized? He didn’t need to have his sins forgiven, he didn’t need to receive faith—he was already the Savior! Why, then?

Jesus was baptized because in his baptism he received benefits in two ways. Two of the same ways that you benefitted from your baptism.

Sometimes we think God is still all wrapped up, unable to be figured out. And in some ways, he is. But in the best way, the way we most need...he has unwrapped himself for our great benefit.

Are you Christmas-ed out? All the preparations, food, music, planning, presents...everything else?

If so, that's okay. Because Christmas is much greater, and much different, than all those things.

"Live a bright life in order to overcome the darkness in the world and in your heart," is not something Jesus ever said. Christmas is about God giving his Son to be the light in the midst of all darkness, internal and external. "Come and see what God has done!"