Advent 2019 | The Christ of Christmas

Someone once wrote, “All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man on this earth as much as that one solitary life.” As we celebrate the Advent of Jesus, it is important that we move beyond sentimental notions of Jesus so common during this season to actually understand the person of Christ, the profound nature of his work, and the uniqueness of his life. This holiday season our prayer is that we will look beyond the birth of a child to trust in, celebrate, and proclaim the Christ of Christmas.

The Gospel According to Mark

The Gospel according to Mark has often been referred to as a Passion narrative with an extended introduction. In other words, it is a book about the suffering of Jesus. All that comes before the cross is preparing the reader for the fact that Jesus cannot be understood apart from the cross. Mark also wants those who might listen to his account of Jesus to understand that if Jesus had to suffer for the salvation of His people, those who would belong to Jesus should expect to suffer as they follow Him. Our hope is that as we study the work and words of Jesus in the Gospel According to Mark God will grant us to clearly see who He is and what it means to truly follow Him.