As with many traditions, we look back through the lens of nostalgia and celebrations of the past to form our expectations of the future.  This year, however, let's encounter Palm Sunday together with fresh eyes —as if we're hearing the hosannas for the very first time. Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, not a war-horse, while crowds praise him as King. The expectations of the people and of the disciples in that moment differ greatly from the story that is about to unfold.  Two thousand years later, how often do our own expectations of Jesus the Christ in our lives differ from the outcomes? This Palm Sunday, we're challenged to release our grip on what we think we know and allow God to speak in and through us as the Body of Christ.

When God calls us to harvest for the Kingdom, how do we respond to those who arrive late but receive the same grace? As harvesters in God's field, we participate in the beautiful cycle of faith—adults teach children who grow up to teach the next generation, each bearing fruit in their season. But when we place ourselves alongside other workers, do we fall into the sin of comparison, measuring our faithfulness against theirs and believing we deserve more? This week, we're challenged to remember that we are all equally gifted and beloved children of God, called to celebrate the harvest rather than count the hours.

Immediately after Jesus' baptism, when God declared "This is my beloved Son," the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to face forty days of temptation and testing. Survival in the wilderness brings loneliness, hopelessness, and desperation, forcing us to choose what we'll depend on when everything else fails. Join us as we examine not only how Jesus resisted temptation through Scripture and trust in God, but also what our responsibility looks like when we witness others merely surviving their own wilderness seasons.

The Wise Men were foreign dignitaries who traveled from distant nations to worship a baby born in the humblest of places. Their journey reminds us that God's love isn't just for one group of people—it's for ALL the world, no matter where you come from. The Wise Men brought royal gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, recognizing that this child was both a king and so much more. Join us as we explore how God's love crosses every border and calls people from every nation to witness His glory!

This Sunday, we'll look at Joseph's story. When Joseph learned Mary was pregnant, he had every reason to feel anxious and upset, but God met him right in the middle of his confusion with a message that changed everything. Think about a time when someone walked into a difficult situation in your life, and you felt peace wash over you—that's the kind of peace God gave Joseph. That's the kind of peace God wants us to both receive and share with the world. This Advent season, be agents of peace for others who are struggling with grief, war, or need someone to bring calm into their chaos. See you Sunday!