This Christmas, we are invited to answer Jesus’ prayer by striving for unity in the body of Christ, letting our love and oneness make His presence visible to the world around us.

Advent calls us to reflect on God’s faithfulness, just as David reflected on God’s deliverance, and to remember that the reason we wake each day is because God sustains us.

The story of Elijah’s wilderness experience, where ravens brought him food, serves as a powerful reminder of God’s ability to meet our needs, no matter the situation.

Drawing inspiration from Psalm 144, we connect David’s experiences with the struggles faced by the sandwich generation, highlighting the importance of faith and divine support in navigating life’s challenges.

Aslan embodies both power and tenderness, teaching children about reverence and sacrificial love, paralleling themes found in Ecclesiastes regarding our approach to God.

As the book progresses, Habakkuk experiences a transformation from questioning to surrender, recognizing that God is actively refining his heart and spirit through adversity.

I doubt we have yet seen the impact of what a united church praying daily for our leaders might do. But imagine what could happen at work, in your community, in our country and in the world if Christians everywhere prayed for those in authority! I suspect we would see many surrendering to Christ as Lord.

As I continue to read Scripture, I am challenging myself to look for the parts of the passages I am apt to miss or, worse, ignore. In those verses may well be the things God is trying to correct in us.

Psalm 103 compares human life to the fleeting beauty of grass and flowers, emphasizing that while our lives are brief, God’s steadfast love endures forever and gives eternal value to our actions aligned with His purposes.

Paul highlights that true comfort comes from being "rooted and grounded in love," and that such a foundation requires intentional prayer and an understanding of the expansive love of Christ.

While some people thrive on constant change and innovation, others, including myself, find comfort in maintaining consistent daily routines, particularly when it comes to balancing personal and spiritual practices.

Consider the prayers of Paul and other prayers in Scripture; be bold enough to go deeper in prayer and see what God will do in your life and in the life of others.

It has been a joy and a privilege to serve God through my work at Point over the last two decades, so this announcement is bittersweet. But after a time of prayer and reflection, my wife, Penny, and I believe now is the right time to make this move.

By bringing our struggles to God and focusing on His promises, we can transform our suffering into an opportunity for spiritual growth and greater joy in our relationship with Him.

Ultimately, Paul encourages us with the assurance that God’s peace will triumph over the enemy’s efforts, empowering us to resist division and uphold unity in the body of Christ.

Believers are encouraged to pray consistently for fellow Christians, particularly those facing severe challenges and persecution globally, recognizing the critical nature of supporting each other in faith.

If we hold grudges, cling to old wounds, or fail to be reconciled to another believer, Paul’s instructions from this chapter may need to be a matter of prayer and action, so that we can together show the world the power of the cross.

By concentrating on becoming more like Jesus rather than fixating on political parties or leaders, Christians can better reflect the life and love of Christ, regardless of the political climate.

Trouble often prompts immediate reactions, but Nehemiah's example teaches us the wisdom of starting with prayer to seek God's guidance and strength.

Our growth often emerges from stepping beyond our comfort zones, relying not on ourselves but on God's strength and presence during times of difficulty.