Mary the mother of Jesus isn't just a decoration to the story of Christmas. She is the first disciple of Jesus, the first to hear and receive the good news of God breaking into our world. Her journey in receiving the good news and making room for Jesus serves as a template for our journey of discipleship through the season of Advent.

The most famous letter in Revelation gives the most stark image: Jesus spitting lukewarm Christians out of his mouth. But is that really what the letter is all about? The letter to the church in Laodicea is a stark reminder that Jesus isn't moved by wealth, status, or comfort, but by simply abiding with him.

Jesus has opened the door of salvation to any and all who will come in. Disciples are called to keep the door open, even on those who oppose the way of Jesus, in hopes that they might enter through the door as well. Keep the door open.

The church in Sardis is called to stay alert in the face of the comfort of reputation and status that would lull them to sleep.

Jesus' challenge to his church is single-minded devotion in a world that offers an array of functional gods. He doesn't just want your habits; he wants your heart.

When outright opposition doesn't undermine our faithfulness to Jesus, subtle distortions on the truth will. The church in Pergamum (and today) is called to discern truth from error and to hold fast to the Scriptures and the way of Jesus. In return, Jesus promises us a true satisfaction, a true belonging, and a true identity in him.

Will you stand out as a disciple of Jesus in a culture that pressures you to conform and punishes you if you don't? That's the question faced by the church in Smyrna who faced significant economic, social, and political pressure to conform to the will of Rome. This pressure, however, is not a problem but rather a sign of progress - the kingdom of God advancing against the kingdom of darkness.

The church in Ephesus was a church of great cultural and social impact and deep orthodoxy. Yet Jesus says they have lost their "first love" and risk being removed. A church without love is no church at all.

How does a church's love fade and what can we do about it?

The meaning and significance of the presence of Jesus in the opening scene of Revelation to the seven churches.

Revelation recalibrates our imaginations with the story of God.