Paul told the Ephesians that he would pray "that the eyes of their heart would be enlightened." He didn't pray that the "eyes of your brain would be enlightened." He knew that just having a mental knowledge about God would not help the believers to walk worthy. They needed to have their hearts illuminated regarding what God has given to each believer. What we know and believe always determines what we do, say, and think.

Before we ever do anything for God, He has already done everything for us. In Ephesians 1:3–14, Paul reminds us that we have been chosen, redeemed, adopted, and sealed in Christ—not for comfort or status, but for God’s mission in the world. Our identity in Christ fuels our calling: we are a people blessed by grace and sent for His glory. As we learn to walk worthy of this calling, we discover that serving God is not about earning His favor, but responding to it, living as visible signs of His grace and peace wherever He sends us.

A worthy walk flows from a secure identity in Christ. Our daily lives are shaped by living out the grace and peace we have received from God. We walk worthy lives because we are God's holy people, faithful in Christ Jesus alone.

The start of the New Year is always a good time to reset and refocus our mission and purpose in life both personally and corporately as a church community. For 2026, our church theme will continue to be “Building a Missional Community,” and our theme verse will be from Jesus’ mission statement as He was starting His ministry found in Luke 4:18-19. This mission statement will help us to transition into the new year, not with self-focused goals, but with a Spirit-empowered purpose.

In Romans 12, Paul calls believers to offer themselves fully to God, allowing His mercy to reshape how we think, live, and love. True worship transforms us from the inside out, forming a community marked by humility, generosity, and sincere love. As the church lives this renewed life together, our everyday obedience becomes a powerful witness to the world. When worship fuels community, mission naturally follows, lived out through compassion, peace, and overcoming evil with good.

In Luke 1:39–56, Mary rejoices in God’s mercy and faithfulness, singing with confidence in His promises. Paul echoes this call in Philippians 4:4–7, urging us to “rejoice in the Lord” because God is near and His peace guards our hearts. In this Advent season we are reminded how God’s grace doesn’t just comfort us, it teaches us to rejoice with a joy deeper than our circumstances.

The glory of God is a funny thing. It can be the source and cause for fear and trembling. And at the very same time, a source for peace and joy. It can be demonstrated in a pillar of fire and the grandeur of a temple. And yet it's also perfectly defined by a baby in a manger. Amazing grace is being able to reach ultimate peace through God's glory.

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