Did you know that you are a creative person? God made each of us with a creative core driven by His spirit. A creativity that allows us to dream big, to have high hopes, and to see what could be with God.

As a church we are preparing to enter into a season of intentional prayer and discernment. But what is discernment? A very active form of listening that involves our attention, our hearts, and our minds.

We hear from this scripture that God wants more than just a tradition, or formula for doing spiritual things. God is much more interested in our heart and intentions that are behind those actions. So as we enter a new year, any goals to grow in our faith are not just about what we do, but why we do it.

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Clever servant.

When Jesus arrived, God invited a special group of people to come see the savior of the world. But God did not invite the powerful, but instead non-believers, and those on the outskirts of society. Jesus birth signaled to the world that with Jesus all were invited, not just some.

Jesus does not promise us a life without challenges or struggles, instead he offers us joy. Joy founded in God that can overcome and see through struggles, sickness, and pain.

Our preparation for Christmas continues with this reminder that the coming savior will come bringing peace to a world filled with fighting. The kind of peace this savior will bring is unlike any peace we have experienced or seen before. Sworn enemies will come together because of this coming savior. This is a great prophecy to read, but how does this advent message affect our lives today?

As we begin the season of advent of preparation for the coming of Jesus, we begin hearing message of Hope. Hope that God has something new in store, hope that things can be different, and hope that a small child can somehow change the world as we know it.

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