Advent invites us to remember that in the Kingdom of God there is Joy found in the knowledge of God, the presence of the Spirit and in Christ centered community.

Jesus' birth into Israel, under Roman rule, was a demonstration of peace. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to experience his peace and live as people of peace, regardless of the circumstances around us.

The angel appeared to Mary and announced the birth of Jesus. This narrative is full of hope. On this Advent Sunday, we continue to wait expectantly for the continued coming of the hopeful Kingdom of God.

In Jesus' birth, the Kingdom of God was inaugurated into this world. This Kingdom stands in contrast to the kingdoms of this world. We are invited to participate in this Kingdom of peace, justice, love and mercy.

Philip's encounter with an Ethiopian eunuch reveals the radical inclusion that the Spirit was moving the early church towards.

As persecution began to push the church beyond the walls of Jerusalem unlikely people began to believe. The power of the Holy Spirit demonstrated by Phillip results in a magician name Simon coming to faith (and backsliding).

Stephen was filled with and empowered by the Holy Spirit. His character and faith stands as an example of giving ourselves wholly to God.

Having been charged with blasphemy, Stephen, a first century deacon and evangelist, tells the story of Israel's history. He highlights God's character and Israel's failures and then turns the narrative on them as those who betrayed and killed the Messiah.

The growing church had processes in place to care for the needs of widows, however some were being overlooked. Today we explore the apostle's solution: a distribution of power and leadership that enabled a proper distribution of food.

As the church began to grow and attract the attention of Israel, the Sadducees and religious leaders became defensive and confrontational. Having been arrested, Peter and the apostles continued to joyfully share the good news.