Our unity is the strength of the gospel because it’s a powerful witness to what Jesus has done. And this unity will be cultivated when we think of ourselves less as we value others above ourselves. Then as we reflect on the gospel realities, let’s protect and promote unity so that we may live a life that is worthy of the gospel.

Through Christ, there’s now no condemnation against us, we can be victorious over sin, and we can now cry out to God, “Abba, Father.” These are the gospel realities that we can now enjoy through the work of the cross. Then let’s live out of these realities because they will free us from fear and fill us with joy and peace.

A life worthy of the gospel is a life that is lived for Christ and others – advancing the gospel even if it leads to suffering. Then may this be evident in all our lives – and may we endeavor to live this way knowing that to live is Christ and to die is gain.

May Paul’s prayer for the Philippians be our prayer as well – that our love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight so that we may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. Let’s learn to put the priorities of the gospel at the center of our prayer life.

Paul’s heart was filled with joy because of their gospel partnership, because of his growing affection for them, and because of his confidence in the One who always carries it to completion the good work He begins. Then let’s continue to trust in the One who is sovereignly orchestrating our lives as we labor to advance the gospel – all for the glory of God.

Paul viewed himself as a slave of Christ and the church as God’s holy people – and this divine perspective led him to give thanks and pray for them with joy. Then may we learn to perceive ourselves and others the same way so that our love for God and this community will continue to grow more and more this year.

One day, the King will come back to establish a new heaven and a new earth, and all who trust in Him will be welcomed. There, sin and death will be no more, and we’ll see the true King face to face. There, we’ll find our forever home in the King’s presence, and we’ll know that every step of the journey was worth it.

The greatest gift we receive at Christmas is Jesus Christ. He is the horn of our salvation and the light of the world that rescues us from our sin and darkness. Then may this Christmas be not just a sentimental holiday but an opportunity for us to experience the power of God so that we may erupt in worship to Him.

In this broken world, God desires to extend His mercy and grace – which is why He sent Jesus Christ to us. His Kingdom has come, and His Kingdom will one day be completed. Then until that day comes, let’s spur one another on to sing this song of joy knowing that the mighty One has done great things for us.

When the gospel comes to us, we can ask questions and we can even express our doubts – but it also bids us to come and die so that we may live a life pleasing to the Lord. Then may the Spirit give us the courage and strength to count the cost and surrender our lives to Jesus because we can’t do this on our own.

Zechariah’s story reminds us that our God is faithful. The wait is finally over – we get to meet the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the only One who is able to save us from sin and satisfy our souls. Then let’s turn and place our hope in Him today.

You and I need the mercy of God because we are hopeless on our own. We will never be able to make it out of this pit of darkness – which is why someone much greater than Jonah coming is good news to us. Then let’s anchor ourselves to Jesus who alone is the Rescuer of our souls – the Hope of the world.

Our God is a relenting God which is why even the message of judgment can be a message of hope. Then run to the cross today because He will give you another chance. But let’s also run to the world with this life-giving truth so that they will find Christ and be saved.

Salvation comes from the Lord. He will save us not because we are good but because He is – which means that no matter where we are, we can always run back to God knowing that He will receive us with His arms wide open. Then let’s cry out to Him, trust Him, and surrender to Him knowing that He will answer.

Jonah’s story reveals how prone we are to wander but it also reminds us that God will never leave us abandoned – He will always seek us out, draw us back again and again and again because He loves us and is committed to us. Then let’s not run from God. Let’s not resist His will. Let’s choose to be with Him.

We are prone to wander, prone to leave the God we love – which is why we must remain in the gospel daily. And with this gospel in our hearts, God is now sending us out to rescue others who may have wandered from the truth. Then let us go humbly, deliberately, and earnestly knowing that life is found in Christ alone.

What will our church be known for? Let’s strive to become a church that imitates the gospel, spreads the gospel, and is transformed by the gospel. Let’s be a church that faithfully preaches Christ, humbly receives Christ, and passionately shares Christ so that in everything, Christ might have the supremacy.

We can give thanks for the past, celebrate in the present, and look to the future with hope because we are rooted in God. In love, He chose us even before there was time so that we would be called the children of God. Then may that love inspire and move us to labor for Him as we aim to bring Him glory.

The gospel reminds us that we have endless reasons to be thankful in all circumstances. Then no matter what kind of situation you may be in today, I invite you to fix your eyes on Christ so that you would learn to cultivate a heart of gratitude for your life. Do this knowing that the feeling of joy begins in our act of thanksgiving.

As we wait for the coming of the Lord, we are called to pray in all circumstances. We’re called to pray for each other when we’re physically sick or spiritually compromised. Then let’s pray with confidence and surrender knowing that we have a God who is powerful, wise, and gracious.