We commenced a short study of Jesus’ sermon he delivered in the Galilee that Matthew recorded in his presentation of Jesus’ person, claims, and accomplishment.

We begin a brief series this morning on a portion of Holy Scriptures, with a message from Jesus that is often quoted for its moral insights (“…where your treasure is there will be your heart also [Matt. 6:21] … whatever you want others to do for you, do so for them…. [Matt. 7:12], Do not judge, lest you be judged [Matt. 7:4]”).

We had come to a new year, an occasion for both reflection and anticipation. Dangers lurk globally from our climate to militarism. Political controversy has led to trauma nationally and internationally. I would argue that 2025 holds much promise of the same.

We have entered a very sacred season of our calendar year wherein we celebrate the wonder of the advent of our Savior. The apostle stated it most succinctly, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory… (John 1:14).”

We have entered a very sacred season of our calendar year wherein we celebrate the wonder of the advent of our Savior. The apostle stated it most succinctly, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory… (John 1:14).”

We have entered a very sacred season of our calendar year wherein we celebrate the wonder of the advent of our Savior. The apostle stated it most succinctly, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory… (John 1:14).”

We have entered a very sacred season of our calendar year wherein we celebrate the wonder of the advent of our Savior. The apostle stated it most succinctly, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory… (John 1:14).”

We have entered a very sacred season of our calendar year wherein we celebrate the wonder of the advent of our Savior. The apostle stated it most succinctly, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory… (John 1:14).”

We are entering a season composed of two celebrations: one is a remembrance as a nation of God’s providential blessings, the other the remembrance of the condescension of God in assuming humanity that He might later assume our debt.
