But to Peter’s point, he understood Jesus’ transfiguration indicated what he would be like at the end of the age. No matter how long Jesus was delayed in coming back, Peter had the image of Christ in all his glory on the mountain seared into his mind. Peter’s words are clear: “What I have told you is the truth, so be attentive, keep the faith, and keep your lamp burning until the morning star returns.”

The story would be incomplete without Eeyore, and our kids would miss some important lessons about the full gamut of human emotions. His gloomy presence is needed just as much as Tigger’s energy and spunk. Eeyore matters, even if he’s not the most jovial character, and we can honestly say the story would be different without him.

Death does not have the final say over us or those we love but see no longer. She danced as a reminder of our hope in Jesus and the power of his resurrection.

You cannot understand the Last Supper and the Crucifixion without hearing the echoes of the Passover, and you definitely cannot understand Jesus’ ministry without seeing it in the context of the Exodus. Even in the waning days of Christmas, we are reminded: Passover and the Cross are closer than they appear because of Matthew Chapter 2. As hard as he tried, Herod never had a chance of stopping this New Exodus. God’s work of salvation was destined to begin in Bethlehem and t

The joy of Christmas manifests itself because of the joy Christ brings into the world. It’s as simple as that: Jesus brings the joy of heaven with him to earth. What Jesus offers is a deeper joy than anything this world can give. It’s a joy that lacks sentimentality and will not quickly fade like momentary bouts of happiness. It is a joy that is real and authentic to our lived experiences. It doesn’t bypass the tougher parts of life, pushing them under the rug.