This week in our series, we examine what we are called to be rooted to and how being intertwined with Christ and each other brings us new life now.

John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, employed a covenant service that became a beginning of the year opportunity to recommit faith in God. Covenant is an important aspect of faith, understanding that God has done something quite significant in Jesus. Today we renew our commitment to the covenant of Jesus Christ.

Christmas is full of expectations and pressure for things to fall into place. The Christmas story is not different in that respect from our own. Also, the Christmas story is full of some failed expectations and important surprises. The proclamation of our faith is that the good news has come, a savior is born. Now, our response to this proclamation is critical.

Sometimes peace can be the most elusive reality in our live, particularly during the holidays. We also have a lot of bad expectations and definitions for peace. What if peace was more than just a moment of rest or a cease-fire in an argument? Jesus is the promised Prince of Peace in Isaiah 9, and we will look and see what that means for our life.

Advent is a time for us to measure our life in preparation for the coming of Christ again. During this season we will decide where our expectations have been lost in the world and what is promised to us in Jesus Christ. Hope is one of those things that shapes our lives profoundly and if misplaced or lost can be dangerous. Hope in Christ leads to unshakable lives.

Psalm 148 is a closing praise hymn for the book of Psalms. Within the song is the praise of the exalted one. On Christ the King Sunday we celebrate the exalted one who took the throne in a surprising way. Jesus' kingship compels a certain response from those who claim this faith.