To more clearly see God's guidance we need to: 1) Be prepared 2) Trust God's Timing 3) Be Willing to change direction according to God's direction 4) Be willing to take risks

There was darkness in Joseph's time and there is darkness now. However, we learned from this story that the Light comes and will always overcome the darkness. The light is Christ's presence

Repentance is sincere remorse... John the Baptist prepared the way so that Jesus could come to the people..

One of the themes of advent it being Awake- Remember to be attentive to the way God shows up everyday.

One of the themes of advent it being Awake- Remember to be attentive to the way God shows up everyday.

Getting ready and being ready to receive the power of Christ in our lives is a response to God's grace.

God is slow to anger and filled with steadfast love. God's economy is about Grace. All we have is given by a generous God.

If we're going to forgive others we must remember how God forgives us. Sin is an unpayable debt the Jesus paid for us.

How would you answer Jesus when he asks, "But who do you say that I am?" By Peter answering that Jesus was the Messiah, was the faith that our church was founded upon.

(Pastor Beth used both the Gospel lesson and Psalm 67 for her sermon today.) Jesus crosses boundaries and he models that grace to others. We are called to love one another, and be persistent in our prayers. We need to change our perspective by choosing to see God's presence in our lives instead of asking where he is.