Craig Cooper

Imagine a dark winter night, stepping into a house where not a single light glows. The air feels heavy, the shadows are deep. But then, you reach for a switch, and a string of Christmas lights flickers on, transforming the room into a warm, inviting haven. This reflects the promise of Isaiah 9:6-7, where a child is born to bring sparkling hope, illuminating every life and home that welcomes Him.

In the 8th century BC, the prophet Isaiah addressed a people buried in gloom. Judah and Israel faced chaos; their idolatry and dependence on foreign alliances brought judgment, as described in Isaiah 8. However, chapter 9 shifts from despair to bright hope, announcing a child who would transform everything. Isaiah 9:6-7 states, “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. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” This child, Jesus Christ, is the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy, the star of hope breaking through a restless world.

This child, born to humanity yet reigning as God’s Son, embodies divine humility and hope. John 1:14 reveals, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Just as the Star of Bethlehem guided the Magi across deserts to worship the newborn King, Christ’s hope shines as an eternal beacon, leading us through despair and sin to redemption. This Christmas, we are called to receive Him, allowing His light to ignite hope in our hearts and transform us from selfishness and fear into lives of love and grace.

Isaiah’s prophecy continues, proclaiming this child as the King whose reign illuminates every home. His titles, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, reveal His divine wisdom, power, eternal care, and the ability to bring genuine peace. Jesus’ names are living truth. He defeats death, becoming the great light for all in darkness. As He said in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” When we allow Christ’s reign to shape our homes through prayer, forgiveness, and love, they become beacons of hope. I have seen this in my own home. Growing up, my family was caring but not centered on Christ. When my parents and brother accepted Him during my high school years, our home transformed, radiating hope that attracted others seeking His light.

Finally, Isaiah assures us that this hope shines forever, upheld by “the zeal of the Lord of hosts.” Jesus’ rule fulfills the promise of an everlasting Davidic king (2 Samuel 7:12-16), unshaken by the world’s chaos. His finished work on the cross and His future return, as seen in Revelation 21:3-5, secure an eternal kingdom of justice and righteousness. Like a brightly lit house on a dark night, visible from afar, Christ’s light draws others to Him. This Christmas, we are invited to trust in this promise, allowing His hope to shine through our lives.

Isaiah 9:6-7 reveals Jesus as the child who illuminates our hearts and homes with eternal hope. This Christmas, make your life and home a place of sparkling hope by welcoming Jesus, letting Him kindle hope in your heart. Share His love and message with others. Trusting His promise of peace in a restless world. Imagine communities filled with such homes, their combined light creating cities that shine against the darkness.

I hope each of us will embrace Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” This season, let’s kindle expectation in our hearts. Let’s share Christ’s divine light to transform our world with His everlasting love. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

There is real power in thankfulness. Thankfulness is an attitude of gratitude for God’s blessings. God uses it to transform our perspective and bring joy. We are called in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Thankfulness aligns our hearts with God’s will, bringing peace and strength.

Thankfulness shifts our perspective. When we begin counting our blessings, God guides us in shifting our focus from what we lack to an abundance mindset. This change promotes contentment. Even during trials, adopting an attitude of thankfulness strengthens our trust in God’s sovereignty. Paul encourages us in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” To worry is to doubt God’s ability to help. Instead, we are advised to tell God our needs. We thank God for past blessings, knowing that He will answer our requests. God then grants us His peace that guards our emotions and thoughts. The image depicts a squad of soldiers protecting a town. He protects our hearts and minds.

Thankfulness strengthens relationships. When we show gratitude to others, we reflect God’s love, which in turn fosters a sense of community and unity. Thankfulness leads to humility and a greater appreciation for others, promoting unity. Paul writes, “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). The peace of God rules in our hearts when we are fully surrendered to His will, and as a result, our entire being is united in obedience to Him. Christ’s reconciling work makes this obedience possible. This work of God not only impacts our personal lives but also enables our fellowship with others to glorify Him, bless us, and, in turn, bless others.

Thankfulness even fuels worship. As our gratitude deepens, our worship deepens by acknowledging God’s goodness and provision. Growing in our ability to walk in thankfulness leads to a lifestyle of praising God, regardless of circumstances. The psalmist directs us to “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name” (Psalm 100:4). Here, we are given a picture of corporate worship extending to the community of believers, with thanksgiving celebrated collectively.

The power of thankfulness is shown in a transformed perspective, stronger relationships, and a fueling of our worship. This should motivate each of us to build a habit of gratitude, which helps us experience God’s peace and joy. As we gather this week, let us do so with great thankfulness, growing in our journey of gratitude. “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1)! Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

Imagine the moments before the big game. The star quarterback isn’t obsessing over stats or replaying highlight reels. He’s in the locker room, methodically gearing up—strapping on shoulder pads for protection, lacing cleats for stability, securing a helmet to guard his mind, and slipping into the team jersey that declares his unity with his squad. But without the fire of passion and trust in his teammates, that gear is just fabric. It’s love and dedication that transform equipment into empowerment, turning a player into a vital part of a victorious team. In Colossians 3:12–4:18, Paul reveals God’s playbook for the new life in Christ, showing us how to suit up in love, equipping us with virtues and practical plays to live as part of God’s kingdom team.

Paul starts by urging us to layer on protective virtues (Colossians 3:12-14). As God’s chosen, holy, and loved ones, we’re called to wear compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, with love holding these qualities together in perfect harmony. These aren’t optional accessories but the essential uniform of our new identity in Christ. Compassion, for example, originates from God’s heart, enabling us to forgive as Christ forgave us and shielding us from resentment. Picture a lineman suiting up without pads—one hit could end his season. Likewise, these virtues shield us from isolation and offense, helping us stand strong for our fellow believers. We must prayerfully assess our spiritual armor to make sure we’re producing these godly qualities. As Vince Lombardi said, “Build for your team a feeling of oneness, of dependence on one another and of strength to be derived by unity.” In Christ, love is the glue that transforms individuals into an unbreakable offensive line.

Next, Paul emphasizes letting Christ’s playbook rule our huddle (Colossians 3:15-17). The peace of Christ serves as an internal umpire, resolving disputes and promoting unity in a divided world. His Word, dwelling richly within us, serves as our living playbook, guiding decisions and fueling gratitude. Imagine a quarterback in a crucial fourth-quarter drive. He doesn’t freelance; he trusts the playbook and the unity of the huddle. Likewise, Christ’s peace referees our hearts, His Word coaches our choices, and thankfulness drives our actions, turning chaos into a touchdown celebration. Charles Spurgeon captured this: “The peace of God is not the absence of problems, but the presence of Christ ruling in the heart, binding us in thankful song and deed.” By surrendering to Christ’s peace and Word, we live for His glory, making a kingdom impact.

Paul then shifts to practical advice, urging us to run the plays in our positions (Colossians 3:18-4:6). Whether as spouses, parents, workers, or neighbors, we are to live out our roles with Christ-centered love. In family, work, or witnessing, every position is essential, like a center whose snap starts the offense. Mishandle it, and the drive stalls. Paul’s household code, filled with Christ’s love, changes relationships, while his call to persistent prayer and gracious speech helps us reach outsiders wisely. Billy Graham encouraged us to pursue what is pure and good in every relationship, reflecting the character of Christ. We need to review our roles, ensuring they honor Him, and trust God to open doors for the gospel.

Finally, Paul rallies the kingdom team (Colossians 4:7-18), highlighting a diverse group—Tychicus, Onesimus, Epaphras, and others—who are united in Christ despite cultural differences. His instruction to Archippus to complete his ministry and his reminder of his chains show that no obstacle can stop the gospel. Like a team where every role, from water boy to coach, contributes to victory, the church flourishes through community. Hebrews 10:24–25 urges us to motivate one another to love and good works, emphasizing the importance of fellowship. As believers, we must do our part, uplift others, and pray together to fulfill Christ’s calling.

Picture the final whistle of the Super Bowl—players mob the quarterback in a joyful dogpile, united in victory. That’s the gospel game. Christ, our Captain, dresses us in love, weaving our virtues into a kingdom dynasty where every forgiven fumble and relational play echoes in eternity. To those yet to believe, Jesus offers His forgiveness and life; confess Him as Lord, and you’ll be saved. To believers, wear your uniform boldly. Suit up in love daily, and watch God work through you as part of His kingdom team. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

Over the years, as a Christian and a Christian pastor, I have been accused of being either too political or not political enough. This doesn’t surprise me, since people often judge us based on what they want us to be. The real challenge is to genuinely be who God calls us to be. Our call is to keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).

Often, we believers are accused of being too political when we simply speak on Christian values that have implications for politics. If I were the enemy, I would convince believers that our views should not be spoken because it might offend others. Furthermore, I would convince them that they should not get involved in politics at all. I would even use titles such as Christian Nationalist to silence them. But, we believers, for the cause of Christ and the betterment of others and our society, are called to call evil evil and good good.

Christian Nationalism is often seen as a problematic mix of Christianity with American identity or government power. It can be viewed as a cultural system that aims to promote Christianity through government or to equate being a good American with being Christian. If this is what is meant by Christian Nationalism, I do not want to be associated with it. Nonetheless, believers should influence society. Evidence of this can be found throughout the time God’s people were in exile, with accounts showing how the Jews were involved in politics, sometimes not by choice, but God used them to make a difference (i.e., Daniel). In the New Testament, from Peter to Paul, we see examples of believers standing before political leaders, standing on the gospel, and witnessing to its truth. The term “Christian Nationalism” is often misused as a strawman to unfairly label orthodox Christians who engage in civic life or hold biblical convictions. I encourage Christians to evaluate issues biblically, advocating for principled civic engagement without compromising faith or falling into political traps that distort the gospel.

As a Christian in America, I want my nation to know Christ and treat each other in a way that honors the Lord. I hope our society will have laws aligned with biblical principles. I vote, engage others in conversation, and preach the gospel, hoping to influence our local, state, and national direction. Christian brothers and sisters in Iran want the same for their country. The church in China desires and works toward seeing the same change there. Believers worldwide want this for the nations where they live. Just as I pray for the Spirit to use the disinfectant of God’s truth to remove the dark spots in my soul, I pray the same for my home, neighborhood, city, state, nation, and the world. I pray that God’s kingdom will come, and his will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).

So I, for one, will continue to stand on God’s truth and pray to our Lord to grant me humility, boldness, and love as I share His life-giving truth with others. I will not be passive, nor will I be silent. I will value life from conception to the grave. I will speak out against life-altering surgeries on minors. I will defend the God-given rights of all, even those I disagree with. I will stand for equality by treating everyone equally and providing identical opportunities and resources, regardless of individual differences or needs. I will not only identify as Christian; I will be Christian. I have been saved by Christ, am being changed by Him, following Him, and on a mission with Him, and I will not cease to call others to do the same.

Call me what you will. I serve for an audience of one, and I encourage you to do the same. As Paul declared, so shall I personally affirm, “I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). For others doing the same, know you are not alone, and no matter what others may call you, I call you brother, I call you sister. I call all believers to do the same. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

Imagine stepping onto the gridiron, the roar of the crowd echoing in your ears, the weight of the helmet on your head, and the determination in your heart to push through every play and sprint toward the end zone. In football, true grit isn’t about flashy moves or self-imposed training rituals. It’s about the inner strength that comes from teamwork, coaching, and a relentless pursuit of victory. Similarly, in the spiritual realm, when we speak of holiness, we mean that spirituality flows from Christ alone, empowering us to live holy lives without the burden of empty rules or rituals. This is true grit holiness.

Keith Drury, a mentor of mine, described holiness as Christlikeness! Let’s look at Colossians 2:16-23 to see how Paul guides us toward this Christ-centered holiness. The passage says: “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— ‘Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch’ (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.”

Paul begins by challenging us to reject judgment based on shadows and embrace the substance of Christ. In Colossians 2:16–17, he warns against false teachers who imposed Jewish ceremonial laws as measures of spirituality. These “shadows” pointed forward to Christ but were never meant to be the goal. This critiques any form of legalism that prioritizes outward appearances over inward transformation by the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that holiness is a heart issue empowered by God’s grace. Consider a football team fixated on pre-game rituals like wearing lucky socks or eating specific meals, believing they guarantee victory. Now compare this to a team filled with true grit that comes from the coach’s strategy and team unity, not superstitions. Christ’s substance, His being our Savior and Lord, frees us from ritualistic judgments. Mike Ditka, former NFL coach, shares this insight: “Success isn’t measured by money or power or social rank. Success is measured by your discipline and inner peace.” Let me encourage all of us to identify and let go of any personal “shadow rituals,” like rigid routines without heart, that we’ve used as a spiritual crutch. Instead, focus each day on Christ’s substance through simple acts like reading Scripture, reminding yourself that holiness is about a relationship with Him, not rules. Perhaps share with a friend how embracing Christ over “shadows” has brought freedom into your life.

Paul continues by encouraging us to guard against being disqualified and to hold fast to Christ. In Colossians 2:18–19, he exposes mystical or ascetic teachings that inflate egos while dividing believers from Christ. “Let no one disqualify you” means not to be deceived or robbed by accepting wrong ideas about Christian living. These false teachers boasted of secret knowledge, but all they had was spiritual pride. Even angels cannot bring us to God; salvation is only in Christ, who surpasses all heavenly powers. Christ is the Head; only by staying connected to Him can we be nourished and united through love. Our unity with Christ allows us to grow spiritually, both personally and as a church. Tony Dungy shares his experience during the 2006 Indianapolis Colts season, where, after personal tragedies and team setbacks, he relied on faith and unity instead of self-imposed pressures, leading to a Super Bowl victory. His perseverance demonstrated grit rooted in divine guidance and living in the right community. Don’t be misled by false teachings; stay rooted in Christ and live in genuine community with fellow believers. Dungy admits: “I don’t have the strength or wisdom to get through a single day without guidance and grace from God.” Reflect on areas in your life where over-spiritualization disconnects you from community or Christ. Commit to engaging with your church family to stay “knit together,” and begin each day with a prayer of dependence on God’s guidance, not your own plans or efforts.

Paul concludes by urging us to reject worldly rules and pursue holiness without relying on self-made religion. In Colossians 2:20–23, those who have died with Christ are freed from sin and are not bound to follow false teachers’ regulations like “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch.” These focus only on outward self-denial and originate from people, not God. Following them fosters self-pride and is unhelpful in stopping fleshly indulgence. Without a heart change, we can follow rules but still disobey God. The Bible highlights sanctification as victory over sin through Christ’s power inside us, not harsh physical discipline. Consider a coaching staff enforcing arbitrary rules, such as “no water during practice,” to build “toughness,” which only exhausts players without developing actual endurance. Genuine grit comes from proper training and rest under wise leadership, just as Christ’s grace enables holiness beyond mere self-denial. Reject worldly rules and pursue holiness in Christ. Dungy shares how Christ has impacted him: “People look at me and see a calm, cool guy on the sidelines, and I want them to know that my Christian faith affects my coaching and everything I do.” Reflect on self-made rules in your spiritual life and replace them with practices centered on Christ. Embrace your “death with Christ” by confessing worldly indulgences and seeking the Holy Spirit’s power for real transformation. Ask yourself: Is this rule helping me love God and others more, or just creating self-imposed severity?

Let me encourage us to examine areas where we’ve relied on rituals, rules, or self-effort for holiness. Let’s reconnect with Christ through prayer, Scripture, and Christian community. Surrender daily to the Holy Spirit. Picture a seasoned quarterback, battered and bruised in the fourth quarter of a championship game. He inspires his team not through harsh self-discipline or empty pep talks but by drawing on the wisdom of his coach and the bond with his teammates. With one final, grit-filled drive, they secure the victory. Our spiritual journey, rooted in true grit holiness (Christlikeness), culminates in Christ’s victory, empowering us to finish strong, free from man-made burdens, and set ablaze by His grace. Remember: True grit holiness isn’t about grinding through rules on life’s field; it’s about drawing strength from Christ, our ultimate Victor. Release the shadows, hold tightly to Christ, and run the race with the perseverance He provides. May we believers be empowered to live holy, not by our might nor by our power, but by His Spirit (Zechariah 4:6). Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!