1. As the writer to the Hebrews affirms, what makes the Christian gospel so much better is that we are no longer dealing with “types and shadows."
  2. Toy Story is indeed a Christmas story.
  3. Despite our best efforts to avoid him, King Jesus remains very much unavoidable.
  4. Rejoice with Mary as she would rejoice with you. Be blessed, like her, with humility from God, so that you may serve joyfully and willingly wherever and in whatever role God has placed you.
  5. By his first Advent in the flesh, through his second Advent with bread and wine and water and Word, we await his third Advent at the end.
  6. When and how did the church start this season of anticipation?
  7. All our sin and shame is answered for in the death and resurrection of our Lord.
  8. Help comes for those who cannot help themselves. When we bottom-out and come to the end of ourselves, that is where hope springs.
  9. Preachers and church workers must also hear the gospel preached to them.
  10. Through water, blood, and word, the Spirit never stops pointing us to Christ, and even more, giving us Christ.
  11. The reason that God’s commandments are not burdensome is that Jesus has fulfilled them.