As we journey to deepen our prayer life, we are reminded that we are all beginners in communicating with God. This message from Katherine Sikma Wadsworth, explores the transformative power of prayer through Jesus' teachings in Luke 11. The Lord's Prayer, provided by Christ as a model, shifts our approach to God from seeing the Divine as distant to addressing God as 'Father' or more intimately 'Abba' (Daddy). This perspective invites a warm, compassionate connection with the Creator. By practicing this prayer daily, we are encouraged to see God as a loving parent who delights in our presence, transforming our prayer life into a joyful conversation rather than a formal obligation.

In this message from Terry Timm, we explore the story of the Magi and King Herod, revealing key insights into human nature and God's revelation. The Magi, guided by a star, symbolize our potential for goodness and spiritual pursuit and remind us to stay attentive to God's signs. In contrast, Herod represents humanity's darker side, driven by fear and a desire for control. This dichotomy prompts us to reflect on our hearts and motivations: Are we, like the Magi, willing to follow God's guidance to unexpected places, or do we, like Herod, resist change to maintain control? The narrative reveals Jesus as the true King, illustrating what it means to be fully human and fully divine.

In this message from Katherine Sima Wadsworth, we're invited to rediscover the power of wonder in our spiritual lives. The central theme revolves around the shepherds' encounter with angels in Luke 2, announcing Christ's birth. This biblical story reminds us that God often breaks into our ordinary lives in extraordinary ways. Just as the shepherds were amazed and responded by seeking out the Christ child, we too are called to be attentive to God's presence in our world. By lowering our threshold for wonder and embracing childlike curiosity, we can deepen our connection with God and experience the transformative power of awe in our faith journey.

In this message from Terry Timm, we explore the concept of Advent as a time for revelation. Drawing from Isaiah 9 and Matthew 4, we're reminded that God's light persistently breaks into our darkness. The imagery of the Advent calendar, with its hidden surprises behind each door, beautifully illustrates how God's revelations often come to us - mysterious yet present, waiting to be discovered. The fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy in Jesus' ministry in Galilee reminds us that God often works in unexpected places and ways. This season, we're encouraged to open our hearts to God's revelations, trusting that in God's light, we truly see light.

In this message, Richie Reeder invites listeners to reflect on the significance of conflict and trials in both our favorite Christmas stories and our personal lives. By drawing parallels between classic holiday films and the trials we face, he emphasizes how perseverance through adversity leads to character development and hope. As we journey through Advent, Reeder encourages us to embrace these challenges, trusting that they ultimately strengthen our faith and bring us closer to the true hope found in Jesus Christ.

In this message from Terry Timm we explore the theme of renewal. Advent is a time to reflect on Christ's past, present, and future comings, encouraging personal and communal renewal. Through scriptural insights and reflections on the concept of "palingenesia -  a re-genesis," this message underscores the hope of a renewed creation and the transformative possibilities it holds.

In our exploration of vocation, we've discovered that it's not just about our jobs, but a lifelong journey of following Christ. The great commandment from Matthew 22 reminds us that our primary calling is to love God and love our neighbors. This dual focus shapes every aspect of our lives, from our careers to our relationships. Our vocations, whatever they may be, are meant to be manifestations of God's love in the world. Whether we're grandparents, students, or professionals, each role offers countless opportunities to express this divine love. As we navigate our vocational journeys, we're challenged to see beyond mere occupations and embrace a broader understanding of our purpose. How can we, in our daily lives, become 'common grace for the common good'? 

In this insightful message, Katherine Sikma Wadsworth challenges the traditional understanding of self-care by exploring its spiritual significance and proposing it as an essential calling in our lives. Drawing from biblical examples like Elijah, Moses, and Jesus, she argues that caring for our bodies is a prerequisite for fulfilling our other vocations and deepening our relationship with God. Through this perspective, Katherine invites us to reframe self-care as a vital expression of love, both for ourselves and in our service to others.

In this message from Richie Reeder, we delve into the transformative power of work in shaping our emotional and spiritual lives. Join us as Richie explores how our vocations serve as platforms for personal growth, encouraging us to embrace emotional intelligence and spiritual maturity. Let's dive in and discover how integrating these elements can lead to more fulfilling and purpose-driven lives.

As we journey through life, how do we approach the concept of aging with grace and faith? This message from Terry Timm, challenges us to reconsider our understanding of retirement, reminding us that in God's kingdom, there is no retirement - only reassignment. Drawing from Psalm 84, we're encouraged to view our lives as a pilgrimage, going 'from strength to strength' even as we age.