Craig Cooper

In Christ, we can have new beginnings as we embrace growth and change. Of course, I speak of Christ’s transformative power that meets us where we are and takes us to places we could never have imagined. The change Jesus offers us is an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of leaving behind the past and embracing the promise of new beginnings in the Lord.

Kevin and Sherry Harney write in their book Organic Disciples, “Spiritual growth is marked by engagement in practices that connect your heart to Jesus and an ever-deepening partnership with the Holy Spirit to share the love and message of Christ with others.” Therefore, spiritual growth is synonymous with discipleship. Here’s what we need to know about discipleship. Genuine discipleship leads us to grow in knowing God and in making Him known; it moves believers out with the Gospel. I have a working definition of a disciple I use. A disciple is a person who is saved by Jesus, follows Jesus, is being changed by Jesus, and is on mission with Jesus. Then, a disciple embraces spiritual growth.

What does it mean to embrace spiritual growth? Embracing Spiritual growth means going beyond recognizing Jesus as Savior and inviting Him as Lord to lead you in an ongoing journey of spiritual growth. Jesus declared, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Therefore, to be a disciple of Jesus, a Christian, we must say no to our own will and yes to God’s will (actually, His will becomes our will), forsaking worldly ambitions by arranging our whole life around God. We arrange our whole life around God by receiving Jesus as Savior and inviting Him to be our Lord.

How do we receive Jesus as Savior? Paul answers this question in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” By faith, we are saved from sin and its final consequence, death. Salvation can never be earned by works – good things we do – so we have nothing of which to boast. We are saved by receiving Jesus as Savior, acknowledging that He died for our sins and was resurrected for our salvation, desiring to walk with Him. C.S. Lewis, writing about this work of salvation, explained, “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” Embracing spiritual growth begins by receiving Jesus as Savior.

We must receive Jesus as Savior, then invite Him as Lord to lead us. How do we ask Jesus as Lord to lead us? Paul writes in Romans 10:9, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” The word “Lord” was used in the Greek translation of the Old Testament for the name of God. Paul applied the title to Jesus, showing that to confess Jesus as Lord is to accept Him as the Lord God and, therefore, invite Him to lead your life. Believers invite Jesus as Lord to lead them in arranging their whole life around Him. Embracing spiritual growth requires we invite Jesus as Lord to lead us.

Inviting Jesus as Lord to lead us, to arrange our lives around Him, speaks of ongoing spiritual growth. We discover in Colossians 2:6-7, “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” First, when we encounter “therefore” in Scripture, we must ask, “What is it there for?” Paul answers this in verse 6, “as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord.” It’s not enough to receive Jesus as Savior; we must continue to “walk in Him,” obeying Him as Lord. When we continue to “walk” with Christ, we are by God’s power “rooted” in Him like a strong tree and “built up” in Him like a beautiful building. As Oswald Chambers brilliantly put it, “The purpose of discipleship is to enable us to stand, not to make us think we can.” As our “faith” is “established,” life is filled with “thanksgiving.” Such a walk with Christ necessitates an ongoing journey of spiritual growth.

The call to discipleship is a daily commitment, an ongoing journey of growth in relationship with Jesus. It’s not a one-time decision but a continuous process of learning, serving, and deepening one’s connection with the teachings and love of Christ. Each day offers opportunities for spiritual development, character shaping, and embracing faith’s transformative power. Remember, we are not speaking of earning salvation but how those saved embrace spiritual growth. As Dallas Willard taught, “Grace is not opposed to effort; it is opposed to earning. Earning is an attitude. Effort is an action.” Embracing spiritual growth necessitates we engage in an ongoing journey of spiritual growth.

Consider recognizing Jesus as a distant star in the night sky. Moving beyond recognition is like embarking on a celestial journey, where you not only admire the star but navigate by its light. It’s a dynamic voyage through the cosmos of life, with Jesus as the guiding star illuminating your path. The journey involves exploring new constellations of faith, steering through challenges, and experiencing the transformative radiance of having Jesus as Lord in the vastness of your existence. Of course, Jesus is more than a guide; He is the one who empowers us on the journey and is with us each and every step through His indwelling Spirit.

Moving beyond recognition to a dynamic journey with Jesus as Lord involves transitioning from merely acknowledging Jesus to actively engaging in a transformative relationship with Him. It entails surrendering one’s life, embracing discipleship, and continuously seeking spiritual growth through a dynamic and ongoing connection with Jesus as the ultimate guide and authority in one’s life.

Paul expressed His personal journey with Christ as Lord this way, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14). Paul still had room to grow in the knowledge of Christ. So, he pressed on. He was determined to know Christ fully because Christ had laid hold of him when he received Christ as Savior and Lord. Paul describes the Christian life as a race. The runner’s goal is a complete knowledge of Christ as Savior and Lord. His task is to concentrate on one thing, which is winning the prize.

No victorious runner ever looks behind. So, the Christian must not be discouraged by previous defeats nor proud of earlier achievements. Instead, the believer must press urgently toward the finish line so that He will receive the eternal prize that God will give him in Christ Jesus. I hope each of us embraces spiritual growth by receiving Jesus as Savior and inviting Him as Lord to lead us in an ongoing journey of spiritual growth. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

The ancient Jews celebrated the New Year with a festival known as “Rosh Hashanah,” which means “head of the year.” It’s still observed today in Judaism. Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days and is a time to remember, rejoice, and reengage through, among other things, reflection, prayer, and the blowing of the shofar (a ram’s horn). It typically falls in September or early October and is a time for Jewish communities to come together to welcome the new year with introspection and renewal.

Rosh Hashanah is mentioned in the Bible as “Yom Teruah” or the “Day of Trumpets.” The biblical references can be found in Leviticus 23:23-25 and Numbers 29:1-6. These passages describe the observance of the holiday with the blowing of trumpets or shofars and offerings made to the Lord. Over time, Yom Teruah became Rosh Hashanah.

In Leviticus 23:23-25, God commands the Israelites to observe this special holy day on the first day of the seventh month. It’s marked by bowing trumpets, a day of rest, and a sacred assembly. It’s a time for reflection, remembrance, and a reminder to thank God for all He has done and honor Him in the year that lies ahead.

It’s worth noting the symbolism of the shofar. The piercing sound of the shofar serves as a call to repentance, awakening people to self-reflection and the need for spiritual growth. Its sound is often associated with awakening one’s soul. Its blast is a reminder to break free of spiritual slumber and reconnect with God. Ultimately, the shofar is associated with the concept of redemption, with its sound symbolizing the hope for the ultimate redemption of all who receive Christ as Savior and Lord. The “memorial of blowing” of the shofar, Rosh Hashanah, carries deep spiritual significance, calling us to remember the Lord and His faithfulness in the past, rejoicing in His faithfulness in the future, and therefore, reengaging in His service in this next year.

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, it’s customary to set resolutions or goals for the future. I want to present a particular kind of resolution or goal rooted in our spiritual journey. Let’s resolve to remember, rejoice, and reengage with the Lord in the coming year.

Imagine you receive a beautifully wrapped gift on New Year’s Day. Inside is a journal, but not just any journal – it’s a “Faithful Year Journal.” This journal has three sections: “Remember,” “Rejoice,” and “Reengage.” Let’s unpack each section.

In the “Remember” section, you jot down significant moments from the past year when you felt God’s presence and guidance. Maybe it was a difficult situation He helped you through or a joyful moment of answered prayer. These entries serve as your spiritual milestones. Just as the Israelites set up memorial stones to remember God’s faithfulness (Joshua 4), we, too, must remember God’s faithfulness in our lives. It’s essential to start the year with gratitude for the past.

Turn to the “Rejoice” section of your journal. Here, you record moments of pure joy and thanksgiving – those times when you felt an overwhelming sense of God’s love and grace. Recall Psalm 100:2: “Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” Rejoicing in the Lord brings us joy and draws us closer to Him. This section helps us maintain a spirit of celebration throughout the year.

Lastly, open the “Reengage” section. This is where you list specific ways you plan to deepen your relationship with God in the new year. It might include reading the Bible daily, serving, or joining a connect or care group. Think of this as a spiritual action plan. Just as the Israelites renewed their covenant with God (Nehemiah 9), we must reengage with Him intentionally and purposefully.

As you go through this “Faithful Year Journal,” you’ll find that remembering God’s faithfulness, rejoicing in His love, and reengaging with Him will transform your relationship with the Lord and others. It’s a resolution or goal that will bring you closer to the source of all joy, strength, and purpose in the new year. Let’s embark on this journey together, seeking to grow in faith and drawing nearer to our Creator as we head into this new year. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

The truth is that all of us have expectations of hope, love, joy, and peace. Yet, save one, all our pursuits to meet these expectations fall short. When we come to Christ, our expectations are more than satisfied. Therefore, as we celebrate Jesus’s birth, His coming, let’s explore how the expectant Christ, born in a humble stable, remains the central focus of this sacred Christmas season and the only one who exceeds all expectations.

To fully appreciate the expectant event of Jesus’ birth, it’s essential to consider the context provided by Old Testament prophecies. These prophecies, found in various books of the Old Testament, created a sense of expectancy and hope among the Jewish people, who were eagerly awaiting the coming of the Messiah. The Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s arrival date occurred centuries before Jesus’ birth. For instance, the book of Isaiah foretold the birth of a child who would be called “Immanuel,” meaning “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14). Isaiah also proclaimed that a “shoot from the stump of Jesse” would bring justice and righteousness (Isaiah 11:1-4). These prophecies created an atmosphere of hope and longing among the Jewish people, especially during times when they were ruled by foreign powers. The historical and cultural context of Christ’s birth is marked by Roman rule in the region. The Jewish people were subjected to Roman authority, which led to a desire for a Messiah who would liberate them from oppression and establish a new kingdom. The birth of Jesus perfectly fulfilled these Old Testament prophecies and well over three hundred others. These prophecies and the background surrounding Christ’s birth provide us with the foundation for expecting more for our lives.

The Christmas account takes us to the quiet town of Nazareth, where a young lady named Mary was chosen for a divine purpose. She humbly replied, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her” (Luke 1:38). With Mary’s faithful acceptance, the answer to the long-lasting expectancy of the miraculous birth of the Messiah began to take shape. Meanwhile, Joseph, who was betrothed to Mary, a righteous and just man, was also visited by an angel in a dream. In Matthew 1:20, we read that the angel declared, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” Joseph, a carpenter by trade, was chosen to be the earthly father of the Son of God. This angelic visitation brought clarity and peace to his heart, and he obediently took Mary as his wife. The Annunciation, the pronouncement of Christ’s birth, provides us with a greater understanding of how our expecting more for our lives is to be fulfilled.

In the Gospel of Luke, it’s written, “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7). It’s mind-blowing. The King of Kings, the Savior of all, entered the world not in a palace or amid grandeur but in a lowly stable amidst the company of livestock. This choice was deliberate and carried a profound message: God’s love is accessible to all, regardless of their social status or worldly standing. The humble surroundings of the stable epitomize the humility of the Christ child and His mission to bring salvation to all people, as the apostle Paul writes in Philippians 2:6-8. Jesus’ humble birth in Bethlehem in a stable provides us with a greater understanding of the character and heart of the One, and only One, who can meet and exceed our expectations.

The first who received news of Christ’s birth were shepherds. When the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem, they were filled with fear and amazement. The shepherds, overwhelmed by this divine revelation, hurried to Bethlehem to see the newborn Savior. Their hearts were filled with joy and wonder as they found Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus, just as the angel had told them. We read, “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them” (Luke 2:20). The account of the shepherds and their reaction to Christ’s birth provides us with hope that each of us can come to our expectant Lord.

The birth of Jesus holds profound significance for all of us. Consider the Incarnation and the fulfillment of the promise that God would be with us. This divine event, as foretold in the Old Testament and revealed in the New Testament, carries deep implications that ought to continue to shape our beliefs and understanding of life. The term “Incarnation” refers to the profound mystery of God taking on human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. This is wonderfully expressed in the Gospel of John. I like the way The Message words this verse, “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, generous inside and out, true from start to finish” (John 1:14). The Incarnation – God being with us underscores God’s desire to be present in our lives, to save us from our sins, and to offer the gift of eternal life through faith in Christ. Christ’s birth opened the door for each of us who receive Him as Savior and Lord to find the hope, love, joy, peace, and ultimate salvation we all are expectant of and need.

Imagine a child’s delight when they receive a Christmas gift that far surpasses their wildest dreams. In Christ, we’re given the gift of salvation that exceeds all expectations, a hope that’s unshakable, a love that’s boundless, a joy that’s everlasting, and peace that surpasses our understanding. Please consider, just as a humble stable became the birthplace of the King of Kings, we can find hope, love, joy, peace, and salvation in the most unexpected places and circumstances, such as right now, where you’re reading this writing when we open our hearts to Christ’s presence. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

We all have expectations we don’t just desire but pursue, such as hope, love, joy, and peace. The problem is that when we look for these things in the stuff of earth, we fall way short since, after all, these things can only be found in Christ. As we celebrate the Christmas – Advent season, we anticipate the celebration of Christ’s birth. Advent marks the coming of Jesus Christ into the world and His marvelous provisions of hope, love, joy, and peace.

Let’s consider peace. The world looks for peace in the absence of conflict. The problem is that such peace is fleeting at best on this side of paradise. Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of Christ. Christian peace is a state of inner tranquility and harmony that results from a close relationship with God and a sense of reconciliation with Him. It often involves the absence of fear and anxiety, reflecting a trust in God’s providence and the assurance of ultimate salvation. Think about it. The peace the world offers is fleeting, while Christian peace is deep and enduring.

Peace is a biblical theme found throughout the Scriptures. In the Old Testament, we see this prophecy from Isaiah 9:6, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” The phrase “Prince of Peace” is a title given to the prophesied Messiah, who is Jesus. This title signifies that Jesus brings a profound sense of peace and reconciliation. It implies that through His birth, life, and ultimately, his sacrifice and resurrection, He would establish a divine peace between humanity and God, as well as promote peace, harmony, and reconciliation among people. Isaiah 9:6 declares Christ’s role as the source of expectant peace. The point is that the peace our souls deeply desire has been provided to us by Jesus Christ.

A pronouncement of peace, coming with the birth of the coming Messiah, is also made in the Christmas account found in the New Testament. We read in Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” This verse, in context, is the declaration made by a multitude of angels who appeared to shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem. It’s a message of joy and celebration, proclaiming the glory of God and the promise of peace on earth.

The angels proclaim that Jesus is the source of peace, but notice this peace is for those “whom He is pleased.” Luke 2:14 declares that the peace proclaimed by the angels is not a universal or unconditional peace for all of humanity but rather a peace connected to those who have found favor in God’s eyes through receiving Christ as Savior and Lord. In short, the peace found in Christ is for those in a right relationship with God and have accepted His grace. Here it is. The peace our souls deeply desire has been provided to us by Jesus Christ and acquired by those who have received Him as Savior and Lord.

In life and during the Advent season, various things serve as crushers of the peace of Christ. Things such as commercialism, stress, busyness, conflicts with family and friends, loss and grief, and the concerns of life all can crush the peace Jesus has provided for us. We can overcome these peace crushers by remembering the One who provides the peace. To maintain the peace of Christ during Advent, as well as all of life, it’s essential to focus on the true meaning of the season, Jesus Christ.

Paul writes in Colossians 3:15, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” The “peace of Christ rules in our hearts” when we are surrendered to Him and His will. Then, and only then, is our whole being unified in obedience to His plans for us. This work of the Spirit in our lives is made possible because of Christ’s reconciling work on the cross and by His resurrection. Therefore, the peace our souls deeply desire has been provided to us by Jesus Christ and acquired by those who have received Him as Savior and Lord and live surrendered to His will. The gospel truth is that surrendering to God is central to the Christian life and the path to expectant peace and spiritual fulfillment. How unfortunate that many times we choose to do life our own way, when all the while we’re mad at God for not providing what can only be found in Him, living His way.

I remember a Christmas many years ago when my oldest was in High School. She had a Christmas concert that conflicted with my wife Krista’s school schedule. I went alone. The Christmas season is always hectic, but I remember this especially being so. I entered the auditorium, which was full of the clamor of people. Then, the lights went down. To my pleasure, the choir began to sing Christmas music, many pointing to Christ. I could feel the baggage I carried in piece by piece being taken off me. When the concert was over, I had been realigned and filled with the peace of Christ. I share this with you because, amid the holiday rush, we can find profound peace in the Lord. But, we must take time to intentionally recognize Christ’s enduring presence and the peace He offers. We can take refuge and find peace even when life gets hectic. This Christmas may be filled with all kinds of peace crushers, but in Christ, we can discover the peace that’s provided through Him.

The expectant peace of Christ is possible to have this Christmas season. The sense of calm and hope, eagerly anticipated, can be received as we receive Christ as Savior and Lord, surrendering ourselves to him. We are blessed to receive the peace of Christ. Christ’s peace is the assurance that, despite life’s chaos, the birth of Jesus, His life, death, and resurrection have brought a lasting, inner peace. As we await His return, when He will bring us with Him to paradise, we can find our expectant peace by trusting in His love and promises today, letting go of worries, and focusing on the hope, love, joy, and, yes, peace He brings to our lives. Soli Deo (Glory to God Alone)!

During the Christmas – Advent season, we light the candles of the Advent wreath. The Advent Joy candle signifies the growing sense of joy and anticipation as the Advent season progresses and Christmas draws nearer. It reflects the joy that Christians feel in anticipation of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and the joy that Christ’s coming brings to the world, as described in His Word and experienced by His people.

Joy can often be confused with happiness. Joy and happiness are related emotions but not quite the same. Happiness is often described as a more intense and fleeting emotion. It’s a sudden, intense feeling of delight or pleasure that can be triggered by specific events, experiences, or circumstances. Joy, on the other hand, is a more enduring and stable emotional state. It refers to an overall sense of contentment, well-being, and satisfaction with one’s life. Joy is not as dependent on specific events and can persist even in the absence of momentary happiness.

In Christian theology, joy is often considered a deep and abiding sense of gladness and contentment that arises from a close relationship with God. It’s distinct from mere happiness, which is often associated with external circumstances. Christian joy is often seen as a spiritual fruit, a gift from God, rooted in faith, hope, and love. It can be experienced even in the midst of suffering or challenging circumstances, as it comes from a profound sense of God’s presence and grace.

Imagine two people facing adversity. One is a person of deep faith, and the other is not. They both lose their jobs and face financial uncertainty. The non-believer becomes despondent and overwhelmed with worry, leading to a sense of hopelessness and despair. Their happiness is shattered because it is largely dependent on external circumstances.

On the other hand, the Christian, also affected by the job loss, experiences moments of sadness and concern, but their faith anchors them. They turn to prayer, seeking guidance and comfort from God. They find support within their church community, and their trust in God’s plan brings them a sense of peace and contentment even in the face of adversity. The Christian’s joy is evident not because they are immune to life’s challenges but because their joy is rooted in a relationship with God.

Joy is a theme found throughout the Bible. Here is a profound verse from Psalm 30:5, “For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” God’s anger is paralleled with our weeping, and both are momentary. God’s favor is paralleled with the joy we receive from Him, and it’s for a lifetime, which for us believers is eternal. Genuine joy is found in the Lord.

As I have already said, joy is a theme found throughout the Bible. For instance, in the New Testament, we discover this verse in the Christmas account, “And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord’” (Luke 2:10-11). The context of these verses is that an angel is announcing the birth of Jesus to shepherds in the fields. I have been to those exact fields after dusk, and even with modern lights from Bethlehem and far off Jerusalem, it was dark. An angel appears along with an angelic choir, and the message is given that Jesus is born, who is Savior, the Messiah. This is a moment of great significance, symbolizing hope and joy brought to the world and received by those who believe. Consider that the good news is that the Lord has come, bringing greater joy to the world than any other news. Why? Because the genuine joy found in the Lord was made available to all who receive Christ.

Even during Advent, Christian joy can be affected by various factors. We face distractions, stress, loss, and grief. There are unrealistic expectations about how the season should be celebrated, which can lead to disappointment. Worries about the state of the world or personal challenges may dampen joy. Lastly, a lack of spiritual connection can exist where neglecting spiritual practices and not fully engaging with the Advent story can diminish joy. To maintain joy this Advent season, we must focus on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and engage in acts of kindness, connect with our church family, and practice gratitude. We need to make time for reflection, hope, and anticipation of the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

The joy of the Lord is not just for a season but is everlasting. One Bible verse that speaks to the eternal nature of joy is found in Psalm 16:11, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” We have much to be thankful for since the genuine joy found in the Lord was made available to all who receive Christ and is not temporary but eternal.

Let’s try to wrap our minds around the expectant joy eternally found in Christ. Imagine us gathering on Christmas Eve. We participate in candle lighting during the service. The ringings with the sound of “Silent Night” and filled with a sense of expectancy. The story of Christ’s birth will be shared. Our Lord’s coming marks the expectant joy we find in Christ. Just as Mary and Joseph eagerly awaited the birth of Jesus, we, too, can discover eternal joy in Christ’s presence in our lives and anticipation of His return.

Here’s the good news, the expectant joy we find in Christ, like a candle’s flame, can burn brightly and eternally if we keep our faith alive and our hearts open to the gift of salvation that Christmas represents. Let’s celebrate and respond to the truth that the genuine expectant joy found in the Lord was made available to all who receive Christ and is not temporary but eternal. In celebrating the Christmas – Advent season, let’s be reminded that the genuine expectant joy in the Lord is a gift available to all who receive Christ. It’s not a fleeting emotion but an eternal flame that can light our lives with hope, love, and salvation, offering us a profound and everlasting source of joy. How we respond to this truth makes all the difference. Receive Christ and choose to experience His joy. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

As we celebrate the Christmas season – Advent, I’m reminded of the second candle on the Advent wreath. This candle symbolizes the profound love of God and the love that Christians are called to share with one another, especially during the Christmas season, when the birth of Jesus, who is seen as the embodiment of God’s love, is celebrated. It serves as a reminder of the love that’s central to the Christian faith and the message of Christmas.

Christlike love, Christian love, often referred to as “agape” love, is selfless, unconditional love that reflects the love of God as described in the Bible. Christlike love involves showing love, compassion, and care for others, even in the absence of personal gain, and is considered a central virtue in Christianity. God abounds in this love.

God’s love for His people is expressed throughout the entirety of the Bible, yes, even the Old Testament. Consider this verse in Jeremiah 31:3, “The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” God’s Chosen people were in exile. They were probably wondering if God had abandoned them. Could God’s love reach them outside the Promised Land? Through His prophet, God speaks to those in exile and affirms that just as He led Israel into the wilderness, protecting them from the sword of the Egyptian armies, so His lovingkindness will support His people in Exile.

We, too, live in exile. We are somewhere east of Eden, desiring to return to paradise. But here’s the good news. There is no place we can go; nothing we have done is beyond God’s loving reach. As the psalmist proclaims, Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds” (Psalm 36:5). God draws us to Himself through His lovingkindness. When we have fellowship with God, we emulate these qualities.

When we think about God’s love, especially during the Christmas season, we often turn to the Gospels, and rightfully so. However, the explanation of the magnificent impact of Christ’s coming is found throughout the New Testament. For instance, we discover these words in 1 John 4:9-10, “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

God has shown how much He loves us by sending His Son. God, understanding we could not reach Him, reached out to us through the coming of Christ, who humbled Himself, taking upon His divinity humanity and modestly being born in a stable. Further, Jesus is “the propitiation for our sins.” Through Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, he has released us from the guilt and penalty of our sins, which is death. Think about it. God Himself paid the price for our salvation.

When we repent, turn from doing life our own way, and receive Christ as Lord and Savior, we are given eternal life. What greater love could there be? John does something interesting in His letter. John links believing in Jesus with love for one another. It’s through knowing God’s love in Christ that we are empowered by His Spirit to love others. Here’s the good news. There is no place we can go; nothing we have done that’s beyond the loving reach of God and His ability to use us to share His love with others.

Experiencing God’s love in a broken world, particularly during Christmas, can be challenging due to several reasons. There’s suffering and pain, commercialization, expectations and stress, distractions, changes in family dynamics, as well as doubts and questions about faith, making it challenging to fully embrace God’s love. Also, there is comparison and envy. Comparing one’s own circumstances to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy and envy, hindering a sense of God’s love and contentment. Overcoming these challenges often involves refocusing on the true meaning of Christmas, engaging in acts of kindness and service, seeking support and community, and spending time in prayer and reflection to connect with the message of God’s love through the birth of Jesus Christ.

The birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus all serve as profound demonstrations of God’s expectant love. Through these events, God shows His unwavering desire for a loving relationship with each of us and His eagerness for our reconciliation, redemption, and eventual reunion in His eternal presence. There is no place we can go; nothing we have done that’s beyond the loving reach of God and His ability to use us to share His love with others.

Imagine a child eagerly awaiting Christmas morning. They’ve expressed their wishes and dreams. Each day leading up to Christmas, they look under the Christmas tree, expecting the arrival of their gifts. Their eyes sparkle with hope and joy, knowing something wonderful is coming. This child represents each of us, and Christmas morning represents the birth of Jesus. The child’s hopeful anticipation mirrors the expectant love we can experience through Christ’s coming that first Christmas.

Here’s the gospel truth. Just as the child’s excitement is based on the belief that something extraordinary is on the way, our expectant love at Christmas is rooted in the belief that through Jesus, something extraordinary has already arrived. It’s the love that was born in a stable, lived a life of compassion and grace, died on the cross, and rose from the grave to offer us eternal hope and salvation. The expectant love we experience at Christmas is a reflection of the profound hope and joy that comes from knowing that Christ, the embodiment of God’s love, has entered our lives, and through Him, we find a love that surpasses all understanding as well as the ability to share it with others. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

The Christmas season, Advent season, marks the period of preparation and anticipation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day. Advent is characterized by the lighting of Advent candles on an Advent wreath, reading of Scripture, and various other observances. It’s a time of reflection, prayer, and hope as Christians look forward to the coming of Christ.

The Advent Hope candle is the first candle lit leading up to Christmas. This candle symbolizes the anticipation and hope associated with the coming of Jesus Christ. It signifies the hope of salvation and the expectation of Christ’s arrival to bring light and redemption to the world.

Each of us, all of humanity, has a fundamental need for hope. Hope provides motivation, resilience, and a positive outlook on the future. Hope can inspire people to overcome challenges and pursue their goals, even in difficult circumstances. Hope is a powerful force that drives us to seek better outcomes and fuels our determination. The difficulty comes in that anything we place our hope in, that’s of the stuff of earth, will leave us wanting. For those truly searching, hopes unmet can lead us to something more, Someone more!

Christian hope is the confident and expectant belief in the promises of God, particularly the hope of eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Hope involves a firm trust in God’s goodness, longing for His presence, and the assurance of future blessings in accordance with our relationship with Him through Christ. We discover this hope of the coming Christ in the prophecies found throughout the Old Testament.

We read in Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” This sign, the birth of a Son, shows that God is with us. Then, we read in Isaiah 9:6, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” It’s fascinating that God’s answer to the arrogance of the world is a child, His own Son. The promise of this child and what He represents makes these verses worthy of memorizing.

In the New Testament, we read of the birth announcement of hope. It’s found in Luke 1:26-33. Here, the angel Gabriel tells Mary she will give birth to the Messiah. He is described as great because He is the “Son of the Most High.” God Himself came among us. Jesus is great because He sits on the throne of David. Lastly, the angel declares He is great because, unlike human kingdoms, His reign has no end. God’s promise of the One to come, found throughout the Old Testament, including that given to David, hoped for since The Fall, is fulfilled in Jesus’ birth.

The Christmas or Advent season, while a time of anticipation and joy for many, can also bring about several difficulties and challenges for people. There is commercialization, stress, loneliness, unmet expectations, spiritual emptiness, family conflicts, overcommitment, and seasonal depression. I am sure there are more you could add to the list. It’s important to acknowledge these difficulties and support one another during the Christmas – Advent season, as well as being reminded of the hope we have in Jesus.

Genuine hope is found in Jesus Christ. We discover this gem in 1 Peter 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. In other words, Christian hope is not some wishful thinking but living hope rooted in the One, Jesus Christ, who has come, died for our sins and risen for our salvation. Here it is. Our expectant hope is found and only found in Jesus Christ.

The hope that Christ brings to the world, to each of us, is profound and enduring. It’s spiritual hope. Christ offers the promise of forgiveness, redemption, and salvation. His teachings emphasize love, compassion, and a path to eternal life, providing hope for a meaningful and eternal connection with God. It’s hope in suffering. The story of Christ’s suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection demonstrates that even in the face of immense pain and adversity, there is the hope of transformation and new life that provides solace to those enduring hardships. It’s hope for the future. Christ’s teachings inspire hope for a better world. They call for justice, peace, and the care of one another, which is a foretaste of the perfection of such a life with God in paradise. It’s hope of community and fellowship. The Christian faith encourages believers to come together in fellowship and support one another. This sense of community and belonging can be a source of hope and comfort in times of need. Overall, the hope that Christ brings to the world is a message of love, grace, and the possibility of transformation, both individually and collectively. It has been a source of hope, inspiration, and solace for countless people throughout history.

As children, we all have desired the perfect gift. We approached Christmas morning with great hope. Maybe we were disappointed because we never got it or later disillusioned by what we received and left desiring the next perfect gift. We have all been there as children and even as adults as we have faced unmet hopes that we have placed in things and people other than Christ.

Our expectant hope is found and only found in Jesus Christ. Just as the world once awaited the birth of the Savior with anticipation and hope, let us remember that in our lives, we, too, have moments of waiting and longing. In those times, we have more than wishful thinking, but sure hope in Christ and His eternal promises. Just as Mary was presented with the birth announcement of hope, where she trusted in God, which led her to the stable where Jesus was born, and the Christ Child was laid, we too can find our way through life’s challenges and uncertainties by trusting in Christ as Savior and Lord. Christ is the beacon of hope in our darkest hours, the source of grace in our times of need, and the embodiment of the expectant hope that never disappoints.

So, as we celebrate this Christmas season, may we embrace the message of hope and carry it to the places where we live, go to work, school, and play. Let our words and deeds reflect the hope that Christ brought into our lives. In Christ, we find our expectant hope and our reason for celebration. I pray this Christmas season and the year ahead will be a time when we truly embrace and share the hope that Christ has brought into our lives. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

Thanksgiving in America has its origins in the early 17th century when English Pilgrims seeking religious freedom arrived on the Mayflower in 1620. They faced a harsh winter, but with the help of Native Americans, particularly the Wampanoag tribe, they learned to cultivate crops and adapt to the new land. In 1621, the Pilgrims and Wampanoag celebrated a successful harvest with a three-day feast, which is often considered the first Thanksgiving. Over time, Thanksgiving became a sporadic tradition celebrated by various colonies and states. 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday, aiming to promote unity and gratitude.

Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It’s marked by gatherings with family and friends, feasting on turkey, although ham is growing in popularity, and expressing gratitude for the year’s blessings. It’s evolved into a holiday with parades, football games, and Black Friday shopping.

Thanksgiving is important in Christianity because it encourages believers to express gratitude to God for His blessings and provision. Giving thanks reflects a key aspect of our faith to acknowledge God’s goodness and providence in our lives. An essential part of our small and large gatherings is counting our blessings and offering thanks for the gifts and grace we’ve received from the Lord.

One key teaching from Scripture on thanksgiving can be found in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which states, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” This verse emphasizes the importance of being grateful in every situation, recognizing that thanksgiving is a fundamental part of God’s plan for believers. Paul is calling believers to nurture their inner spiritual life. When complaining replaces thankfulness, the abundant life Christ came to give us decreases.

Believers can be thankful in all circumstances by doing several things. For one, followers of Christ must learn to trust that God is in control and working despite all that’s wrong in the world. When faced with challenges and hardships, it’s possible to receive them as an opportunity for personal growth, learning, and spiritual development. In our prayers, we need to thank God for His presence and seek His guidance and strength to navigate difficult circumstances. As we walk in step with the Spirit, we ask Him to help us cultivate contentment with what we have, understanding that true joy doesn’t come from material possessions but from a relationship with God. The Lord calls us to lean on our church family for encouragement, prayer, and support during challenging times. It’s also helpful to reflect on previous times when God has provided and been faithful, reminding ourselves of His goodness. Lastly, I would share that we must accept that there are things beyond our control and surrender them to God’s will, trusting that He knows what’s best.

By integrating these practices into our lives, we believers can maintain an attitude of thankfulness in all circumstances, recognizing that God’s love and guidance are constant, even amid difficulties. So, as you sit around the table this Thanksgiving, take some time to express your gratitude to God. After all, when we consider all the Lord has done, is doing, and is still to do, we have so much for which to be thankful. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

Trust can be defined as the belief or confidence in the reliability, integrity, and honesty of someone or something. Trust can be challenging due to past betrayals or experiences, but it may come more naturally for others. The difficulty of trust is subjective, and people’s views on it can change over time.

When I was starting college, we had an orientation weekend. One of the events was a trust walk. We were paired up and took turns being blindfolded and led by our partner throughout part of the campus. My partner was much shorter and smaller than me. As she led me, she would clear objects like a tree branch, and I would walk right into them. When we finished, I had several bumps and bruises. Needless to say, the intended result was lacking in me. I did not trust her one bit.

Most of the time, trust is built over time. It also assumes some reasonable limitations. I consider myself a trustworthy person. I would never intentionally desire to break trust. But, if you needed an item delivered by foot and needed it done quickly, say a quick run, I would want to help out, but it would not be wise to trust that I could, for instance, run the item at a ten-minute mile pace. It just isn’t going to happen. This would be misplaced trust.

Sometimes, trust is difficult because we desire something to be done a certain way and don’t trust a particular person, or anyone for that matter, to do it the way we want it done. This can limit us in so many ways. I get that it’s important that things are done right. I wouldn’t want a shoddy surgeon. But I also understand that attempting to control every aspect of my life is fruitless since many things are outside my control.

We live in a world full of chaos. Yet, we are hardwired with a deep need to have something or someone to trust to serve as a firm foundation amidst life’s trials. Where’s the solution? God is the only one we can wholeheartedly trust. He will never let us down.

The psalmist proclaims, “For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth” (Psalm 71:5). This verse speaks of a lifetime of devotion and worship as a foundation of faith. Such trust in the Lord requires that we know and trust in who He is as well as what he determines to do. For instance, for me to genuinely trust God, I need to believe He is good and His will is best. When doubt fills my soul, I remind myself of who God is and that His will for me is always what’s right. It’s not always easy, but it’s always best.

Ernest Hemingway once wrote, “The best way to find out if you trust somebody is to trust them.” This is simple enough to understand but more difficult to put into practice. Difficult yes. But, impossible? No! The more we grow in knowing God, the greater our trust in Him. Also, be honest. Declare to the Lord, as the father of a child who asked Christ to heal, exclaimed, “I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24). Jesus will always answer this prayer by helping us learn to trust. If you do these two things, you are heading down the right road to grow in trusting the Lord and living the abundant life Christ came to give us. After all, the victorious Christian life is one of trusting God in all circumstances. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

Titus is a book by the Apostle Paul to his young protégé Titus. Its purpose is to guide and instruct Titus, a Christian leader in the early church, on how to oversee and organize the Christian communities on the island of Crete in order to advance God’s kingdom. The letter emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine, good works, the appointment of qualified leaders within the church, and Christlike living. It aims to strengthen the faith and conduct of believers and promote healthy discipleship and godliness in the Christian community.

Titus 3:12-15 paints a picture of sorts for us. Picture yourself in a boat, navigating the choppy waters of life. Sometimes, the journey seems treacherous, filled with storms of doubt and waves of uncertainty. In those moments, we all long for a reliable anchor to keep us steady. Unmistakingly, Christ is our anchor, but He uses our church family to guide and encourage us as believers.

We discover, in Scripture, that the Apostle Paul relied on faithful companions like Titus. We, too, can find strength and support in our Christian community. Titus 3:12-15 highlights the importance of Christian fellowship and partnership in spreading the love and message of Christ.

First, we read in Titus 3:12: “When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.” Paul instructs Titus to come to him. Although an apostle of Jesus Christ, Paul was not a one-man army. He needed others. So, do you and me.

Then, we read in Titus 3:13, “Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing.” Paul instructs Titus to help Zenas and Apollos. Paul encourages generosity and hospitality towards these fellow servants of Christ. Although Paul had his own mission, his willingness to help was not limited to those in his circle; he looked outside and was willing to help others succeed in what God was calling them to do.

Paul’s final instruction to Titus is found in 3:14, “And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.” Paul instructs Titus to encourage believers to keep the main thing the main thing: Christ and His kingdom. The call is for the believers to be industrious rather than lazy (Titus 1:12). This will allow them to meet their own needs as well as be able to help others. What would happen if all of our budgets and ministries were evaluated based on the extent to which they produce good works in the world around us, meeting the urgent needs (spiritual, emotional, physical, and financial) of others? This is the church Christ died for. Christ leads us as a Christian community to dare to order our lives around His agenda for us and the world.

Paul closes his letter to Titus with a final greeting and prayer. “All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all” (Titus 3:15). Paul sends greetings from the believers with him to the believers with Titus and offers a short yet powerful prayer. An encouraging greeting is a powerful thing. Never underestimate what a simple note or text can mean to a person. I have the bottom of a cabinet in my office filled with encouragement notes I have received from people over the past thirty-plus years. Bad notes I file in a circular file that’s emptied every day, but the encouragement notes I keep. I have been amazed over the years by how people react when I send a simple encouragement note. It’s like a small hug from God. I believe Titus and the crew received this greeting as a precious gift.

The short yet powerful prayer is that God’s grace will be with them. God’s grace is His unmerited goodness to every one of us. I can’t think of a more meaningful prayer than that the extravagant love of God will envelop your life. Often, when we leave service on Sunday morning, someone sends us with the words go in peace. As we head off into a chaotic world, to have the peace of God spoken over us is no small thing. This dynamic peace is offered to us because of God’s extravagant love. It’s provided to us by the grace of God.

Here’s the overarching point of Titus 3:12-15. As believers, we need Christian fellowship and partnership in living and spreading the love and message of Christ. Think of it this way. Imagine you’re on a challenging hike up a steep and rugged mountain. The path is tough, and the journey is long. You’ve been navigating this treacherous terrain, and at times, it felt almost impossible to continue. But then, as you reach a particularly difficult stretch, you look back and notice something remarkable. You see a group of fellow hikers who have been with you throughout this journey. They’ve encouraged you when you were weary, shared their supplies when you ran low, and even helped you navigate the most treacherous parts of the trail. Together, you’ve faced the trials and triumphs of this climb, and it’s made all the difference. I know this has proven true over and over again in my life. It’s why we here at Crosswinds, in part, encourage one another to be a part of a connect group, care group, or serving group.

We need the Lord and each other. Our faith is not a solitary endeavor. It’s a shared expedition. We are called to encourage one another, share our resources, and help each other navigate life’s difficulties. Together, we can reach new heights in our faith and spread the gospel more effectively. As we conclude our journey through the book of Titus, let us remember the value of Christian community and partnership. Let us continue to walk alongside one another, supporting and uplifting our fellow believers as we navigate the rugged paths of life. Together, we can make a lasting kingdom impact as we live and spread the love and message of Christ to the world around us. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!