Today’s podcast is a portion of our Christmas Eve service. We ponder what the birth of Jesus, the one who would become both saviour and king, says to an empire that is flexing its power and claiming to do what is best for you. We invite you to remember the story of the birth of Jesus with us.

This mornings message was delivered when the tensions from the States were first beginning in Canada. Our country was beginning to feel politically threatened. This was not un-similar to the land of Judah when great prophecies about Jesus were given. Let’s consider what those messages where about in light of how we feel in our world today.

Welcome to the start of this Advent series! As we read these stories in the Bible, the scents and sensations that were present are something that we can't experience solely by reading. Scents can evoke emotion, memory, and meanings. So as we discuss this year's theme of kingship, let's explore the symbolism carried by the scents on the air when the king finally came.

Claiming that God needs to save us can sound offensive… I should be enough as I am! But what if I’m not enough? What about when I don't feel strong enough to tackle a hard situation? or if I realize God protected me from something I couldn’t handle? In today’s passage we see the good side of when we are not enough… because that is when God pours out so many blessings all we can do is offer praise. Let’s join our services and consider today’s message.

As you walk with Jesus and try to follow him in your days, it is not uncommon to feel like more and more, you fit into society less and less. Sometimes you just don’t want to participate; other times people might exclude you. How are we to think about this experience? What is the best way to respond? Let’s consider what the book of First Peter says to encourage Christians who experience being excluded.

Climbing the social ladder… or, climbing the corporate ladder... just trying to get ahead in life, … inevitably that means getting ahead by pushing someone behind. The writer of this morning’s text looks around at how people live, likely also looks back at his own life, and asks: “Is there a better way? A way where I am not left behind but where I don’t have to climb over others to get ahead?” Yes, there is another way. Let’s consider the good news in Proverbs chapter 30.

When does Lady Folly call you to come and be foolish? Does she call everyone or does she have her eye on specific targets? It’s the latter. In today’s talk, we look at different ways of responding to live’s challenges and the call from both wisdom and folly as we make our decisions. Let’s join our service and learn together.

Does Jesus want you to be successful? Has the question even ever crossed your mind? Success matters to us - we want to have good careers, be good parents, have a successful marriage. In chapter 8 of Proverbs, lady wisdom says that she can bring you success. Let's join today's message and see who she is and how she can make such a claim.