The Gathering

Because racism is still active and growing in our society, we are not yet the Beloved Community that King and indeed God calls us to be. Racism threatens our faith in God. Why? Because racism is a sin. Sin gets in the way of our relationship with God. If we don’t address it, sin keeps us from God.

There are a lot of voices competing for our attention, for the chance to tell us who we are. Rather than listening to the foolish, the critic, or the narcissist, tune in to the voice of God. They have a lot to say about who you are, and what you were made for.

The Narcissist navigates the world through a transactional, non-empathetic, and arrogant lens. Jesus reminds us that we're called to be the opposite. To seek love, humility and empathy in our relationships.

The Bible is constantly warning us against listening to foolish voices. These are people who either don't know, or don't care. Rather than listening to foolish voices, seek out wisdom from someone you look up to. That noise can help shape you into the person you hope to become.

The voices we listen to, day in and day out, shape us. If we're surrounded by critics, agitators and cynical thinkers, we'll begin to see the world through that lens. The antidote to criticism, agitation and cynicism is encouragement. Focus on the encouragers, and tune out the rest.

As we look toward a new year, we can still learn a thing or two from the Christmas story. Unpacking the knowledge of the Wise Men, we find four ways to make this year our best yet.

Now that we're on the other side of Christmas, the world is quick to move on to the next big thing. It's easy to live in the future, while missing the joy that exists in our present. Throughout the Christmas season, choose to live in the now. Choose Joy.

This Christmas, we look to Jesus, our Light in the Darkness. When life feels dim, or when we're unclear on our way forward, the light of Jesus can illuminate a path of hope, joy, and peace. When you're able, be the light for those around you. And when you need it, seek it out through others.

The Christmas Story starts with women. From Mary, to Elizabeth, to the Holy Spirit herself, it's through women and mothers that God kicks off the greatest story of all time.

Parties are all about the people. This Christmas, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, consider who you might invite. After all, what's a birthday party if no one shows up?