John the Baptist prepared the way by calling people to repentance—a turning point that still marks the beginning of every journey with Jesus. In His own baptism, Jesus identified fully with our humanity, taking on our sin and offering us the Father's approval in return. Following Him means dying to our old ways and stepping into the new life He freely gives. Let’s explore what it really means to walk in that new identity every day!

In Matthew 2, we see that Jesus has always been King—even as a child—and that His kingship demands a response. For some, His reign is threatening. For others, it's the source of deepest joy. This passage challenges us to consider where we are resisting His rule in our own lives and invites us into daily, worshipful surrender. Ultimately, it calls us into a life of Christ-centered thinking and living, where every moment and decision reflects His reign.

In the chaos of disrupted plans and unexpected events, God was quietly working redemption through the obedience of two ordinary people. The birth of Jesus shows us that faithfulness often comes with a cost—but it also opens the door for God's presence in the most unlikely places. Through adoption, obedience, and surrender, the Gospel invites us into God’s family and His greater story. At the center of it all is Jesus—God with us, who came to save us from our sins!