In the Gospel of John 1:29, John the Baptist points away from himself and declares, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”

What does John mean?

This passage invites us to examine our own hearts and our lives together as a church. Where have we drawn lines that God didn't? Where has comfort taken the place of calling? Where has our familiarity with the witness held us back?

I recently watched a movie in which the spirit of an old king appears in a six-year-old child. That kid had all the knowledge, wisdom, skills, and powers of a great king. But to everyone else, he appeared to be a normal person. His family hated him, didn't get him, and ignored him, except for his grandmother. She was the only one who knew that this child was more than just a child. Something much bigger lived inside of him.

“Get up. Take what matters most. And go.” Not because He wants to unsettle us—but because He wants to save, protect, and prepare us.

As we get ready to receive the light, remember this: The same Christ who was born in Bethlehem will walk with us into tomorrow. The same grace that showed up on that holy night still teaches, heals, and changes lives.

We all have plans in place. Plans are like a map for life; they show us where we want to go and how we plan to get there. Plans are a good thing. The Bible even says that people die when they don't have a vision. God cares about vision. God values guidance.

But Advent reminds us of something deeper: God often interrupts our plans to bring His plans to fruition.

Church, when life doesn't make sense...When you can't handle your grief...When faith seems weak... Ask Jesus your questions. They don't scare him. He is the person you are looking for.

So the question today is easy: How do we prepare the way for the Lord in our own lives?

Beloved, people are very good at getting ready for things, especially when they know when and where they will happen. Students get ready for tests. People looking for work get ready for interviews. Families get ready when they know guests are coming. When we get ready, we always do our best. We choose the right clothes, practice the right words, arrive on time, and ensure we present our best selves.

Brothers and sisters in the Lord. Today is Christ the King Sunday. On this significant day, the Church Worldwide gathers to remember one who truly sits on the throne. Our world as we know it yearns for trustworthy leadership, compassionate leaders, just leadership, and the list goes on!

Our communities feel scattered, wounded, or disappointed by those who were supposed to care for them. The Scriptures we have read this morning, and I intended that we read them all today, speak one powerful truth: Christ is the Shepherd-King we have always needed, the One who reigns with justice, mercy, and sacrificial love.

Beloved, the Church of Jesus Christ has never been strangers to storms. From the earliest days, God’s people have walked through divisions, persecutions, misunderstandings, and painful disruptions. None of these things has ever been good for the Body of Christ. Anything that threatens the unity and peace of God’s people is not of God, because God Himself is peace, unity, and love.

Our seminary professor always told us that we should be scholars who believe. He says that a believing scholar is honest about not having all the answers to theological questions. It's a humble way of saying that faith starts where human understanding stops.

One of the most significant problems in the history of religion has been the ongoing debates about what lies beyond us, such as heaven, resurrection, angels, and the mysteries of eternity. The Sadducees and the Pharisees were accustomed to engaging in such debates. They enjoyed discussing, debating, and sharing their own opinions. They often acted like they knew the answer to every spiritual question.

Sometimes, being curious can lead you to a divine encounter. You never know when a simple question or interest can lead to a life-changing revelation. I remember how much I loved reading books when I was in high school. A friend gave me a book one day, not knowing that God had put a message in it just for me. I started reading out of curiosity. What began as simple curiosity quickly turned into an encounter with the living Word. I let Jesus Christ into my life when I read that book, and everything changed.

Today, in light of Luke 18:9–14, we are encouraged to look at a story that shows how the heart acts. Jesus delivers this narrative to those who believed they were right and thought everyone else was wrong.

During last Sunday’s Mission Rivers Cluster Charge Conference we heard DS Rev Lindsey Baynham Freeman preach a message to us entitled, “Worthy of the Calling.”   It was a reminder to be persistent in our prayers and actions!  The new motto of the District Office on Connectional Ministries is Cooperate, Collaborate and Connect.  That kinda sounds like a message of persistence to small rural church now , doesn’t it?

Lord, make us people of gratitude — quick to thank, eager to serve, and ready to share Your love beyond these walls. Let our thanksgiving be more than words — let it be our way of life.  

In Luke 17, the disciples yelled to Jesus, “Lord, give us more faith!”  They thought their faith wasn’t strong enough to handle the problems they were facing.  But Jesus reminds us—that faith isn’t strong because of how big it is, but because of who it is placed in.

Have you ever been in a situation where you were really scared?  I am sure that all of us have been in a situation where we were really afraid at some point in our lives.  And how do you react when you are really, really scared? 

The big question this morning: Who is our Lazarus? Who do we know who is hurt, ignored, or in need? You know, Love for others shows faith. What we give is what really matters in life. This is the day to do what really matters!

Every choice we make, both as individuals and as a group, shows who we really serve. Putting God first makes money a tool for His work. Putting money first pushes God to the side. This is why Jesus makes it so plain that we can’t serve two masters.