In this parable about the weeds and the wheat, the good seed being planted and the bad seed seed being planted, something happens that we all experience. Good seeds grow up together with the bad seeds. Good seeds mature with the bad seeds. And it is hard to tell them apart. But it isn’t our job to tell them apart. That is up to Jesus, who is patient beyond any type of patient we can imagine. His WORD is the good seed that grows to be stored up safely. Satan tries with all his might to sow as much evil into the world as he can. It’s his mission. Lies and deception are what he is about. Jesus is about grace and mercy. This grace and mercy leads to salvation, His work, not ours. On the Last Day, He will do the sorting. Believers be assured of being stored safely with Him in His new creation forever and ever.

• Malachi 3:16-4:2
• 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12
• Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

• Isaiah 55:6–11
• 1 Corinthians 3:5–9
• Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23

The other side of Christmas. Reality hits doesn’t it? The brokenness of the world that has been cursed because of sin hits doesn't it?

The other side of Christmas for Joseph, Mary and toddler Jesus hit too didn’t it? Enraged King Herod desires only one thing. Death to the new born king. Instead of tidings of joy on Christmas crying and wailing from the mothers whose baby boys were murdered by Herod’s henchmen.

What about us? The other side of Christmas is far from perfect is it? You see, God’s creation is still groaning, groaning for perfection once again. No disease, no sin, no sorrow, just peace, love and joy.

It’s what God promises to bring once again. Jesus WILL return as advertised, as promised to make things new again. This time forever and ever. This is where we place our Hope. True Hope.

• Isaiah 63:7-14
• Galatians 4:4-7
• Matthew 2:13-23