Light in darkness (Lk. 1:67–79)
Before we join the narrative of Jesus’ birth and everything that happened around it, we remember who it is that is coming to us. We remember the King that Jesus is and what his reign means. We take a moment to try to understand the weight of this King’s arrival and why we make such a big deal of Christmas.
Blessings and woes (Lk. 6:20-31)
It seems as though Jesus is quite aware of the ups and downs of this life. In a way, he might even be taking some responsibility for it. Today, he addresses life’s blessings, woes, and the love we experience through it all. These all come from God, and they are all good for us.
Free indeed (Jn. 8:31–36)
As we celebrate 40 years of St Martins Lutheran College in Mount Gambier, South Australia, we also remember what it means to be Lutheran.
Keep the faith (2 Tim. 4:6–8,16–18)
As his ministry and life on earth inevitably comes to an end, Paul reflects on his life with three statements which we can take as encouragement.
Faith from outside (2 Tim. 1:1–14)
Paul wants to encourage Timothy by showing him that the pressure is not on him to deliver. His faith does not belong to him, nor is God’s love dependent on what he can do.
More, more, more (1 Tim. 6:6–19)
Paul urges Timothy to be content with what God has given him, to be generous with what he has, and to hold on to his identity as a child of God. There’s something in that for all of us.
God save the king (1 Tim. 2:1–7)
We could not have had a more well-timed reminder to pray for our authorities, including our new king. Paul offers some helpful tips for prayer in general, but particularly our prayer for those in high positions.
Thankfulness in the mess (1 Tim. 1:12–17)
Despite the mess of his ministry, Paul was thankful to God because without him, he would’ve been nowhere. What does that mean for us?
A considered approach (Lk. 14:25–33)
The path of faith is dangerous and demands our whole self, but the destination at the end of that path is worth the cost. We follow a leader who has been there before and can guarantee safe arrival if we trust in him to get us there.
Please God in three easy steps (Hb. 13:1–8,15,16)
We know that God is a righteous judge. We need to make sure he isn’t angry with us. The letter of Hebrews gives us three easy steps to please God. Is it really that simple? Even simpler, in fact.