As we continued in our reading of the sermon on the mount, we heard Jesus share that we are all salt and light for the world. As disciples, we do not exist solely for ourselves, but are meant to share our light with those around us.

Amidst so much turmoil, violence, and heartache in our country, Jesus has an important word for us, calling us to even deeper faith and even deeper service. In the beatitudes, we are reminded of the importance of community for our faith.

As Jesus begins to collect a rag-tag group of followers he asks a simple question with profound ramifications: “What’re you looking for?” This answer determines how we live with our abiding God.

The baptism of Jesus is what some might call one of the biggest “historical bedrocks” of the Bible. And as we are then baptized with those same waters, we are named worthy of grace and love and acceptance exactly as we are.

Every year this festival provides an opportunity to reflect on the revelatory power of God and the faith of those who seek the Savior. In community we offer ourselves in worship as we travel this faith journey together.

On Christmas morning, we are blessed to hear the words of John’s gospel reminding us how Jesus brought divine life into the world, and that through Jesus we see God. The Christmas story, ultimately, shows us the way to a full life.

We gather to celebrate once more the Good News of the birth of Christ. A familiar piece of news that initiates a whole new way of living. Merry Christmas!

As we head closer to Christmas, we hear the story of those who most intimately anticipated Jesus: Mary and Joseph. In this complicated world, let us hold fast to the promise of the Christ Child named “Immanuel,” or “God with us.”

Vicar Lyndsay and Pastor Zak share in a fireside chat as they reflect on the season, Mary, and God’s promise of a Savior.

John’s sermon from the wilderness is a call to “Repent!” – an opportunity to look back for the sake of looking ahead. What God has done points us forward to what God is doing, now and always.