How do we keep our roots deep in Christ so that we abide in him, so that we stay connected to him, like branches to the vine? It all comes down to loving each other, Jesus says, as he has loved us. Then we will remain in him as he remains in us.
The first followers of Jesus were energized by their experiences with Jesus both before and after the Resurrection. They heard his teachings, witnessed his miracles and walked with the Risen Lord
In his famous passage on love in his letter to the Corinthians, Paul talks about love as being patient and kind, not easily angered or self-seeking; keeping no record of wrongs and rejoicing with the truth.
Each one of us faces challenges every day but we are sustained and inspired by the power of God’s Spirit that purposes us for ministry.
In our physical bodies, it takes a strong core to be steady, to find balance. The same is true in our spiritual life. When we focus on our center – when we focus on Jesus who IS our Center – our spirits are steadied and our lives are strong. Over the next several weeks we will be reading from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians and remembering together who we are as God's people, who we are at our core. Though physically apart, we worship together united by the Spirit of God alive in each believer.
The Advent season is a time to prepare our hearts and minds for the anniversary of Jesus’ birth on Christmas.