The Well CC (BGVA)

Christians have leaned on the value of catechism for centuries to summarize their core beliefs. Originally, catechisms and creeds helped those without formal instruction to understand the things of God. Over time these catechisms turn into compliance mechanisms leading many modern believers to overlook their true value. It's time to get back to that and re-explore the catechism of our beliefs. Prepare to be challenged as we undergo the daunting task of declaring what we believe.This section discusses the relevance of the local church and the role it plays in our faith. Is the church a center for cultural exchange or maybe a social hub? For many, it is that and solely that! For others, it is a blend of cultural hub and religious gathering spot where we can consume Jesus-themed goods and services. However, our God is a jealous God (Deut 4:24) and He desires all of our hearts, minds, and souls. However, many have become accustomed to fashioning church in *their* own image, like a golden calf that they are comfortable bowing to. Change their church, and suddenly God becomes too foreign and uncomfortable. Maybe they forgot that the focus is the savior and not the throne *they* built for Him. Christ's church is unity (in Him), it is purpose (in Him), and it is intimacy (in Him). As Christians, our desire in the assembly should be to embrace what it means to be a part of Christ, not for how to make Christ a part of us.

Christians have leaned on the value of catechism for centuries to summarize their core beliefs. Originally, catechisms and creeds helped those without formal instruction to understand the things of God. Over time these catechisms turn into compliance mechanisms leading many modern believers to overlook their true value. It's time to get back to that and re-explore the catechism of our beliefs. Prepare to be challenged as we undergo the daunting task of declaring what we believe.This section covers the subjects of doctrine and orthodoxy. Many exert a great amount of stress debating and arguing their doctrines and orthodoxies with other believers, drawing firm lines in the sand on what is "right" and what is "wrong". The fundamental question that we should ask is whether those doctrines and orthodoxies are reflective of Christ or the image of Christ that they would like to define. Christ is unbounded by human understanding and transcends our academic knowledge. This means that adherence to a doctrine or orthodoxy alone can't possibly be what make one a stalwart disciple of Christ. It must be something more. We could say... something greater. What is the greatest commandment? To love God and to love one another. The focus of Christians should be to understand doctrine and orthodoxy for what it is... reflections of how we attempt to experience Christ... and avoid the arrogant tendency of many to equate compliance with doctrine and orthodoxy with alignment to God.

Christians have leaned on the value of catechism for centuries to summarize their core beliefs. Originally, catechisms and creeds helped those without formal instruction to understand the things of God. Over time these catechisms turn into compliance mechanisms leading many modern believers to overlook their true value. It's time to get back to that and re-explore the catechism of our beliefs. Prepare to be challenged as we undergo the daunting task of declaring what we believe.This section covers the subject of Biblical criticism. Criticism, in this context, doesn't mean being derogatory or disrespectful of the Bible; it means considering what it is we revere in the Word of God. Is it the binding and pages? Is it a publisher's translation? Or is there something more profound the written word points to that we should be seeking?

Christians have leaned on the value of catechism for centuries to summarize their core beliefs. Originally, catechisms and creeds helped those without formal instruction to understand the things of God. Over time these catechisms turn into compliance mechanisms leading many modern believers to overlook their true value. It's time to get back to that and re-explore the catechism of our beliefs. Prepare to be challenged as we undergo the daunting task of declaring what we believe.This section discusses our connection to the world. Every Christian must ask themselves sincerely if Jesus Christ is, in fact, their king. If so, is that proven in how they prioritize their time? Their activities? Their material possessions? We are a materialistic and self-focused culture; will that culture take priority over God's purpose in your life?

Christians have leaned on the value of catechism for centuries to summarize their core beliefs. Originally, catechisms and creeds helped those without formal instruction to understand the things of God. Over time these catechisms turn into compliance mechanisms leading many modern believers to overlook their true value. It's time to get back to that and re-explore the catechism of our beliefs. Prepare to be challenged as we undergo the daunting task of declaring what we believe.This section covers the idea of a Godly life. Does a Godly life simply mean not sinning? If that is the case, aren't we all doomed from the start? How, then, do we live a Godly life in a practical sense without simply giving ourselves over to sin? The answer is the pursuit of Christ; a living demonstration of how we turn from the world and pursue God's ways even when we know we are bound to fail.

Christians have leaned on the value of catechism for centuries to summarize their core beliefs. Originally, catechisms and creeds helped those without formal instruction to understand the things of God. Over time these catechisms turn into compliance mechanisms leading many modern believers to overlook their true value. It's time to get back to that and re-explore the catechism of our beliefs. Prepare to be challenged as we undergo the daunting task of declaring what we believe.This section covers the nature of sin and redemption. Is sin a monolithic concept or is there nuance that is scripturally important? Understanding these nuances helps us better appreciate the totality of God's grace.

Christians have leaned on the value of catechism for centuries to summarize their core beliefs. Originally, catechisms and creeds helped those without formal instruction to understand the things of God. Over time these catechisms turn into compliance mechanisms leading many modern believers to overlook their true value. It's time to get back to that and re-explore the catechism of our beliefs. Prepare to be challenged as we undergo the daunting task of declaring what we believe.This section covers what it means to be a Christian, or one who follows Christ. Is it orthodoxy? Is it common doctrine? Or is it something much more simple...

Christians have leaned on the value of catechism for centuries to summarize their core beliefs. Originally, catechisms and creeds helped those without formal instruction to understand the things of God. Over time these catechisms turn into compliance mechanisms leading many modern believers to overlook their true value. It's time to get back to that and re-explore the catechism of our beliefs. Prepare to be challenged as we undergo the daunting task of declaring what we believe.

In this series, we will look at some of the submissions from all of you and respond to 2 or 3 each week in either a mini-sermon or a dedicated lesson. As we wrap up this series, we ask ourselves "what's the point"? We saw how God was in everything brought up, from serious theological questions to silly pop-culture references, but what did we learn? From a worldly perspective, it may seem amazing that God is related to all things, but once you truly realize that God is sovereign over all it becomes the expectation rather than an epiphany.

In this series, we will look at some of the submissions from all of you and respond to 2 or 3 each week in either a mini-sermon or a dedicated lesson. This week we look at the dichotomy of a loving God who is also severe in His judgment. How do we reconcile a God of love who is also a God of often-uncompromising consequences?

In this series, we will look at some of the submissions from all of you and respond to 2 or 3 each week in either a mini-sermon or a dedicated lesson.  This week we look at a book by David Mathis titled "Habits of Grace". It is a favorite of those in the "Reformed Theology" and has strongly supported themes for all Christians. But is there a hidden danger lurking in our attempts to "understand God"?

In this series, we will look at some of the submissions from all of you and respond to 2 or 3 each week in either a mini-sermon or a dedicated lesson.  This week we'll take a moment to dig into a single prompt about the meaning of the Sabbath. Are we to "observe the Sabbath"? What does that even mean, especially when we consider that Christ himself did work on the holy day. Perhaps what makes 'Sabbath' isn't a day on the calendar.

In this series, we will look at some of the submissions from all of you and respond to 2 or 3 each week in either a mini-sermon or a dedicated lesson. This week we look at the virtues of idiotic footwear and the goods and bads of cultural icons.

In this series, we will look at some of the submissions from all of you and respond to 2 or 3 each week in either a mini-sermon or a dedicated lesson. This week we'll look at the virtues of not being a jerk with your shopping cart and a lesson about how we treat religious practice in Leviticus 10 (with an honorable mention to two stones).

In this series, we will look at some of the submissions from all of you and respond to 2 or 3 each week in either a mini-sermon or a dedicated lesson. This week we start off with a kid's joke about a chicken and a serious question from Numbers 7.

We all known John 3:16, but at what point in time do we take it to heart and show God the thanks He deserves for how He loves us?

Some church start-ups have gone to an "us against the world" vibe where they make it a point to reject all things "typical" in an attempt to be more authentic. But... what IS authentic? Is all religious practice bad or is there a time and a place for structure and order? A deeper look at the church of the 1st Century reveals a few interesting facts that may not be glamorous, but they reveal a lot about the church forged by the apostles in those early decades.

Given that it's Mother's Day, we're practically obligated to do some kind of special message. However, the typical pandering from the pulpit seems insulting, so instead lets take a look at some of the remarkably amazing women of the Bible. Many of these individuals were mothers themselves. Regardless of what we know of their personal life, what we find is a bevy of spiritual giants who can teach all of us amazing lessons.

We live in a dramatic world. No matter how old or mature we get, it feels like everyone is just an angsty teenager trying to lash out at the latest life injustice. The consistent image we see in the Bible is not bombastic clashes for retribution and victory, but God found in the stillness. Perhaps that is why so many struggle and strive for contentment at the hands of their own efforts, only destined to live a life full of discomfort. God isn't found in the cries of a warrior; He is found in the silence of a lamb.

We all like a little "good job" every now and then. Sure, we should be motivated by our love of God and dedication to calling, but that little bit of encouragement helps our human hearts to carry on. Sometimes people go too far in their pursuit of congratulations, turning their life into a pursuit of adoration from others. They celebrate their victories to elevate their own reputation and the success of their work. Jesus speaks to this directly, warning His followers against celebrating their work. It's only natural; the obvious progression of self-celebration is to fool ourselves into thinking that we are responsible for the good works God is doing through us.

God doesn't simply call us to "exist"; he calls us to a righteous work. It's true that work for work's sake isn't fulfilling and misses the point. Some are accustomed to focusing on how much you can "do" in life and not what God is calling you to do. However, don't be deceived into thinking work plays no role. It was there in the garden. It was given as a blessing to the first generations, and it is commanded by Christ as a part of extended God's glory. In a society today which allows so much opportunity for leisure and recreation, we are accustomed to demonizing work, but if oriented towards the source of all contentment, it can actually be quite powerful.

Music artist Forrest Frank gets a bad wrap for having superficial songs, but there is something strangely profound in an upbeat, "happy" song that still cries out "I need you now more than ever". Do we all cry out to God so much in our times of victory or are we quick to forget? What about the opposite situation; do we forget about God when things get tough because "I don't have time for God; I just need to figure this out"? If God is sovereign in your life, He's ALWAYS sovereign and that must translate to both the highs and lows our life is destined to endure.

Music artist Forrest Frank gets a bad wrap for having superficial songs, but there is something strangely profound in an upbeat, "happy" song that still cries out "I need you now more than ever". Do we all cry out to God so much in our times of victory or are we quick to forget? What about the opposite situation; do we forget about God when things get tough because "I don't have time for God; I just need to figure this out"? If God is sovereign in your life, He's ALWAYS sovereign and that must translate to both the highs and lows our life is destined to endure.

He is Risen! Are you living like it?

When we last visited the theme of Global Restoration, we looked at what God was doing to restore His kingdom and how, unlike the world, God’s restoration does not require violence because God has no rival. On Palm Sunday we are reminded of God’s power and authority through peace, echoed through Jesus’s arrival in Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. Despite the cries of adulation, we see the Pharisees sneering at the scene instructing Jesus to denounce the crowds. But Christ tells them that even if the crowds were silent, the stones would cry out.

When we last visited the theme of Global Restoration, we looked at what God was doing to restore His kingdom and how, unlike the world, God’s restoration does not require violence because God has no rival. On Palm Sunday we are reminded of God’s power and authority through peace, echoed through Jesus’s arrival in Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. Despite the cries of adulation, we see the Pharisees sneering at the scene instructing Jesus to denounce the crowds. But Christ tells them that even if the crowds were silent, the stones would cry out.

Grace is something intended to be personal and intimate. It is individualized in many ways. We gather as churches and some are in the habit of limiting their spiritual experience, work, and growth to those assemblies alone. Because of this, the cynical fall into one of two camps. The first camp insists that their faith exists 'without a church' because they see that there is a personal element (as expressed scripturally) missing from these large assemblies. The second camp insists that if something is a "God thing" it must be support by, sanctioned by, and resourced by the church. If they don't see something happening that they are convicted of, it must be because the church is failing! They miss that there is a personal element to their faith which is not bound by the assembly. The assembly is a critical part of our experience, but we should recognize the assembly is a way to connect to the intimate elements of our restoration with the Creator. The story of the prodigal son illustrates how faith can manifest itself differently depending on God’s intent for your life. Just as the son’s redemption arc and the eldest son’s loyal faith journey were different, so too are our journeys different from person to person. Does it seem unfair? Do you feel entitled or envious of the experiences of others? Take heart… God has a personal story just for you because you, too, are a part of His beloved creation.

Grace is something intended to be personal and intimate. It is individualized in many ways. We gather as churches and some are in the habit of limiting their spiritual experience, work, and growth to those assemblies alone. Because of this, the cynical fall into one of two camps. The first camp insists that their faith exists 'without a church' because they see that there is a personal element (as expressed scripturally) missing from these large assemblies. The second camp insists that if something is a "God thing" it must be support by, sanctioned by, and resourced by the church. If they don't see something happening that they are convicted of, it must be because the church is failing! They miss that there is a personal element to their faith which is not bound by the assembly. The assembly is a critical part of our experience, but we should recognize the assembly is a way to connect to the intimate elements of our restoration with the Creator. The story of the prodigal son illustrates how faith can manifest itself differently depending on God’s intent for your life. Just as the son’s redemption arc and the eldest son’s loyal faith journey were different, so too are our journeys different from person to person. Does it seem unfair? Do you feel entitled or envious of the experiences of others? Take heart… God has a personal story just for you because you, too, are a part of His beloved creation.

God restores us in a physical sense as well, and that isn't just some charismatic mumbo-jumbo! Our God heals. We see it time and time again. It is just as central to the story of our redemption as anything else. The reason physical restoration is so critical is because it is the most dramatic and tangible corollary to what God has done to our souls that we can sense in this mortal world. In Part 1, focus on the story of the dry bones and how it leads us to understanding God's dominion over life and death. Note that physical restoration alone was insufficient; it also came with the spirit and how this points to our misunderstanding of physical restoration... a demonstration of God's glory not a "magic healer". In Part 2, focus on the hopelessness of the man's situation and how cynicism has more than set in. Even in those situations, God can heal. Also note the significance of the Sabbath and how on a 'day of rest', God performed this work. This signifies that a restorative state is the desired "good" (Genesis reference) God craves.

God restores us in a physical sense as well, and that isn't just some charismatic mumbo-jumbo! Our God heals. We see it time and time again. It is just as central to the story of our redemption as anything else. The reason physical restoration is so critical is because it is the most dramatic and tangible corollary to what God has done to our souls that we can sense in this mortal world. In Part 1, focus on the story of the dry bones and how it leads us to understanding God's dominion over life and death. Note that physical restoration alone was insufficient; it also came with the spirit and how this points to our misunderstanding of physical restoration... a demonstration of God's glory not a "magic healer". In Part 2, focus on the hopelessness of the man's situation and how cynicism has more than set in. Even in those situations, God can heal. Also note the significance of the Sabbath and how on a 'day of rest', God performed this work. This signifies that a restorative state is the desired "good" (Genesis reference) God craves.

Often we talk about restoration in a spiritual, and miraculously in a physical, sense but it also exists in the social sense. God does not desire for us to be alone. Being social with one another is built into the church. It is built into our DNA. God has given us helpers and communities to aid in the work we are called to do. Because we recognize the importance of this social connection, we should be driven towards restoration of others to us such that the body of Christ can be complete. Some are in the habit of seeking out the body when they are in-need. They realize their life is off-track or that they need community, so they seek to “get their life right’ then quickly fall back into their isolation. What a missed blessing! When God shows His love and graciousness to us, we have the opportunity to respond. We can respond selfishly, getting what we want from the ‘transaction of religion’ before leaving, or we can recognize God’s blessings as a wake-up call to God’s design that calls for us to not be alone and for the body to be one.

Often we talk about restoration in a spiritual, and miraculously in a physical, sense but it also exists in the social sense. God does not desire for us to be alone. Being social with one another is built into the church. It is built into our DNA. God has given us helpers and communities to aid in the work we are called to do. Because we recognize the importance of this social connection, we should be driven towards restoration of others to us such that the body of Christ can be complete. Some are in the habit of seeking out the body when they are in-need. They realize their life is off-track or that they need community, so they seek to “get their life right’ then quickly fall back into their isolation. What a missed blessing! When God shows His love and graciousness to us, we have the opportunity to respond. We can respond selfishly, getting what we want from the ‘transaction of religion’ before leaving, or we can recognize God’s blessings as a wake-up call to God’s design that calls for us to not be alone and for the body to be one.

The story of restoration is central to the story of God. God restores His people after the great flood. God restores His promise through Abraham. God restores His nation through Moses. God restores His promise through Joshua. God restores His dominion through David. Our God is a God of restoration. The story of the adulteress may be true, it may be anachronistic, or it might be a combination of different stories merged into one. The reality is, we don’t know. What we do know is that this story highlights the true extent of moral restoration, from an acknowledgement of wrong-doing to the final reprieve from consequences through grace. The consistency of Christ’s restorative nature is evident throughout the New Testament and something critical to our own realization that we, too, should crave the restoration of others.

The story of restoration is central to the story of God. God restores His people after the great flood. God restores His promise through Abraham. God restores His nation through Moses. God restores His promise through Joshua. God restores His dominion through David. Our God is a God of restoration. The story of the adulteress may be true, it may be anachronistic, or it might be a combination of different stories merged into one. The reality is, we don’t know. What we do know is that this story highlights the true extent of moral restoration, from an acknowledgement of wrong-doing to the final reprieve from consequences through grace. The consistency of Christ’s restorative nature is evident throughout the New Testament and something critical to our own realization that we, too, should crave the restoration of others.

God's plan since the fall of creation has been to restore us to him. Sometimes it seems like the world wants to fix itself. The problem is what Solomon talked about in Ecclesiastes: there is nothing new under the sun! Despite that, the potter can always make something new. The clay can not say "I wish to fix myself" or "I am determined to mend my broken edges", but through God even the more corrupted things can become beautiful. When we last looked at the Purpose and Calling theme, we discussed that our recognition of being clay puts us in a place where we can be molded. But what does it mean to be made new? It means far more than just being an improved version of yourself; it means becoming something different altogether.

God's plan since the fall of creation has been to restore us to him. Sometimes it seems like the world wants to fix itself. The problem is what Solomon talked about in Ecclesiastes: there is nothing new under the sun! Despite that, the potter can always make something new. The clay can not say "I wish to fix myself" or "I am determined to mend my broken edges", but through God even the more corrupted things can become beautiful. When we last looked at the Purpose and Calling theme, we discussed that our recognition of being clay puts us in a place where we can be molded. But what does it mean to be made new? It means far more than just being an improved version of yourself; it means becoming something different altogether.

God is building an empire, but not in the way we see it. As lovers of history will attest, there is this interesting academic effect where we begin to notice that no hegemonic power has a wholly innocent resume. Expansion, stabilization, and prosperity in a finite world, come at the cost of others. It is the natural order of things. This is where God's restoration of the world is different. As our God is not finite, He is not limited to the same pitfalls and requirements to reign through resource dominance and coercion which means He ushers in a world restored through the peace (Shabbat) first seen in the beginnings of Genesis. Christ does this repeatedly throughout His ministry: connecting the concepts of His sovereign nature with His nature of peace. It is what gives us confidence which rises beyond contention and worldly squabbles, allowing us to unite in a bond which is higher than our circumstances or culture.

God is building an empire, but not in the way we see it. As lovers of history will attest, there is this interesting academic effect where we begin to notice that no hegemonic power has a wholly innocent resume. Expansion, stabilization, and prosperity in a finite world, come at the cost of others. It is the natural order of things. This is where God's restoration of the world is different. As our God is not finite, He is not limited to the same pitfalls and requirements to reign through resource dominance and coercion which means He ushers in a world restored through the peace (Shabbat) first seen in the beginnings of Genesis. Christ does this repeatedly throughout His ministry: connecting the concepts of His sovereign nature with His nature of peace. It is what gives us confidence which rises beyond contention and worldly squabbles, allowing us to unite in a bond which is higher than our circumstances or culture.

Grace is something intended to be personal and intimate. It is individualized in many ways. We gather as churches and some are in the habit of limiting their spiritual experience, work, and growth to those assemblies alone. Because of this, the cynical fall into one of two camps. The first camp insists that their faith exists 'without a church' because they see that there is a personal element (as expressed scripturally) missing from these large assemblies. The second camp insists that if something is a "God thing" it must be support by, sanctioned by, and resourced by the church. If they don't see something happening that they are convicted of, it must be because the church is failing! They miss that there is a personal element to their faith which is not bound by the assembly. The assembly is a critical part of our experience, but we should recognize the assembly is a way to connect to the intimate elements of our restoration with the Creator. Jeremiah spoke about this deep sense of intimacy when he mentions that God’s covenant is written in our hearts. We can see that intimacy when we look at the many events that don’t occur in massive assemblies, but instead happen in the intimacy of private meetings with God.

God restores us in a physical sense as well, and that isn't just some charismatic mumbo-jumbo! Our God heals. We see it time and time again. It is just as central to the story of our redemption as anything else. The reason physical restoration is so critical is because it is the most dramatic and tangible corollary to what God has done to our souls that we can sense in this mortal world. One of the most stark examples of physical restoration is what we see in Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones. Not only does God bring us back together, but He breathes into us something divine to make sure truly alive, perhaps for the first time.

Often we talk about restoration in a spiritual, and miraculously in a physical, sense but it also exists in the social sense. God does not desire for us to be alone. Being social with one another is built into the church. It is built into our DNA . God has given us helpers and communities to aid in the work we are called to do. Because we recognize the importance of this social connection, we should be driven towards restoration of others to us such that the body of Christ can be complete. As we scan across the Bible, we would be remiss to ignore the many examples we have of Christ instilling a deep sense of community in Creation and in His church. Come to find out, God wants us to be more than isolated participants in a faith; He wants us to be as One.

The story of restoration is central to the story of God. God restores His people after the great flood. God restores His promise through Abraham. God restores His nation through Moses. God restores His promise through Joshua. God restores His dominion through David. Our God is a God of restoration. In this message, we focus on God's desire to create in us a clean heart and how that drives us even in the midst of our failures.

God is the potter and we are the clay... the potter never changes, but the clay changes as the potter's whim! God molds His creation through us which makes perfect sense. After all, our role in this creation is to be God's image so it makes sense God's image would be His primary tool for action. In Isaiah, we see flashes of anticipation for what is to come. What an appropriate way to transition out of Christmas and into something new! God's plan since the fall of creation has been to restore us to him. Sometimes it seems like the world wants to fix itself. The problem is what Solomon talked about in Ecclesiastes: there is nothing new under the sun! Despite that, the potter can always make something new. The clay can not say "I wish to fix myself" or "I am determined to mend my broken edges", but through God even the more corrupted things can become beautiful.

God is the potter and we are the clay... the potter never changes, but the clay changes as the potter's whim! God molds His creation through us which makes perfect sense. After all, our role in this creation is to be God's image so it makes sense God's image would be His primary tool for action. In Isaiah, we see flashes of anticipation for what is to come. What an appropriate way to transition out of Christmas and into something new! God's plan since the fall of creation has been to restore us to him. Sometimes it seems like the world wants to fix itself. The problem is what Solomon talked about in Ecclesiastes: there is nothing new under the sun! Despite that, the potter can always make something new. The clay can not say "I wish to fix myself" or "I am determined to mend my broken edges", but through God even the more corrupted things can become beautiful.

Resolutions are typically tied to self-improvement. You can improve without thinking of your spiritual life, but improvements tied to the flesh are temporary AT BEST. What does it mean to improve spiritually and what are things we can do in the new year that would have a lasting impacting?

Resolutions are typically tied to self-improvement. You can improve without thinking of your spiritual life, but improvements tied to the flesh are temporary AT BEST. What does it mean to improve spiritually and what are things we can do in the new year that would have a lasting impacting?

It's one thing to criticize "the church for not doing enough" and another thing to actually "put up or shut up". We aren't called to be believers of rhetoric, but believers of love and truth. God makes it very clear, cover to cover, how we are to regard the poorer amongst us. As a church family, we must be committed to compassion for the needy. Otherwise, how can we claim to stand for the love of Christ who saved us in our greatest state of spiritual need?

It's one thing to criticize "the church for not doing enough" and another thing to actually "put up or shut up". We aren't called to be believers of rhetoric, but believers of love and truth. God makes it very clear, cover to cover, how we are to regard the poorer amongst us. As a church family, we must be committed to compassion for the needy. Otherwise, how can we claim to stand for the love of Christ who saved us in our greatest state of spiritual need?

Hints of the Messiah pop up early in the Old Testament.  It's almost as if God already knew what He was going to do the second sin entered into the equation.  God knew we couldn't do it on our own.  He gave us opportunities and provided the framework to do it, but ultimately that only served the purpose of proving that we can't earn it.  The conclusion was clear: salvation must be a gift.  There is no other way we could attain it outside of God's mercy and love.  When we celebrate the coming of Christ, we don't just celebrate a birthday or a singular miraculous event; we celebrate reaching the summit of a mountain built upon all God's divine gifts.  Jesus is the fruition of purpose.  He is the sovereign of Creation.  He is the realization of Hope.  And He is the embodiment of salvation.  He is Messiah in spirit and flesh given not because we deserved it, but because of our God's glorious generosity.

Hints of the Messiah pop up early in the Old Testament. It's almost as if God already knew what He was going to do the second sin entered into the equation. God knew we couldn't do it on our own. He gave us opportunities and provided the framework to do it, but ultimately that only served the purpose of proving that we can't earn it. The conclusion was clear: salvation must be a gift. There is no other way we could attain it outside of God's mercy and love. When we celebrate the coming of Christ, we don't just celebrate a birthday or a singular miraculous event; we celebrate reaching the summit of a mountain built upon all God's divine gifts. Jesus is the fruition of purpose. He is the sovereign of Creation. He is the realization of Hope. And He is the embodiment of salvation. He is Messiah in spirit and flesh given not because we deserved it, but because of our God's glorious generosity.