The birth of a King, as you have never seen or heard before...

Have you had an experience so transcendent that it leaves you profoundly content that there is nothing more in this world you could possibly want? Simeon had this experience when he laid eyes on the baby Jesus. We can also have this experience as we behold Jesus, our salvation.

Zachariah had faith in God's promise, and this brought joy to his community. In Luke chapter 1, we also see Mary's apprehension and fear eased by Elizabeth, who shares her joy in God's faithfulness and love.

Mary shows us what it looks like to wait on God well, trusting His promises.

The Christian life is patterned on Jesus’ own suffering before glory. Just as Jesus was persecuted, his followers will be too. But God has given us helps to persevere in the face of opposition.

Christ’s suffering causes us to live for God’s will, not our own.

God calls us to submit to authorities as citizens, servants and spouses, to display his glory.

Living as a dual citizen of God’s kingdom and the kingdom of the world can sometimes feel like tension as we live in this world while waiting for the world to come. As chosen exiles, we can feel we don’t quite fit, which can affect how we see ourselves. In this part of 1 Peter, God provides a reminder of our new identity in Jesus. This assures who we are and enables us to remain stable in an unstable world.

God saves and transforms his people. He takes us as we are, but loves us too much to leave us there, he wants to make us just like Jesus.

When the immediate situation for God’s people seems dim and hopeless, God encourages and inspires them to keep working, knowing He is doing something far bigger than they can see. We too can keep serving God, in the midst of trouble and trial, because in Jesus, He is doing much more than we can see or imagine.

God calls His people to reconsider what they’re investing in, and to invest in His purposes.

It’s not despite, but in the midst of our suffering that God grows us, strengthens us and turns us to hope in eternity through Jesus’ work on our behalf.

When God saves us, he saves us into a family: the church. But in such a diverse community of people, what is it that unites us together?

Revelation closes with a picture of the new creation. God’s people secure in God’s presence. No fear, no pain, no more death.

Revelation 17-20 paints a picture of the destruction of a world turned against God. The call for God’s people in the midst of that torrent is to get out of it! All evil will come under a final judgement before God, but God’s people, those who hold onto Jesus to the end, will be spared.

Revelation 15-16 shows us the serious but righteous judgments of God on those who continue to rebel against his rule. How should believers respond to such harsh punishment? By giving praise, honour and glory to the only one who saves.

Revelation 12-14 portrays the spiritual event behind Jesus’ death and resurrection and the spiritual persecution that followed for the church until the end of time. During that time, some are marked by the beast, while others are sealed for God.

During his earthly ministry Jesus experienced regular and difficult opposition. Rather than presenting an easy life, Jesus spoke of discipleship being difficult. Rejection and opposition was something that his followers should expect. But being rejected and opposed is difficult and often taxing. Nobody likes to be on the outer. While experiencing opposition it is easy to feel discouraged and confused. In Revelation 11 we have words of encouragement and direction given to us on how we might respond when met with serious gospel opposition.

As the seals are broken and the Lamb’s decree is revealed, we see the surprising unfolding of history. Things will get worse before they get better, but the urgency of gospel work is all the more important.

When Jesus comes back, will you be ready? He gives a stern warning to the church of Sardis who have the appearance of life but are spiritually dead that he is coming back life a thief. But those who trust in him will have true life!