Reflection: Jesus offers so many memorable moments of teaching, it can be challenging to pick a favorite. Even more challenging, perhaps, is choosing which one is most, well, challenging! Which is it for you? To love your enemies? To resist revenge? To not worry? Perhaps this passage from the final public lecture from Jesus before the night he is arrested is the most convicting. Being called to be there for others requires listening to God with our hearts, keeping a watchful eye on our neighbors, and having active hands and feet of Christ to do the hard work of, well, doing the hard work! There are some Christians who have taken "The Matthew 25 Pledge," electing to cry out, "I pledge to protect and defend vulnerable people in the name of Jesus." Is this a pledge you can make? What does it mean to do such a thing in the name of Jesus? Consider reading more about the movement, and even taking the pledge, here: http://www.matthew25pledge.com/

For the Children: Are you excited for the new year? One fun way to celebrate can be to stay up a little later and have a cheerful countdown. But what are we counting down to, friends? A new year, that's for sure. I wonder if we're also counting down to a new day in which we can share the love of Jesus with other people. When we're kind to others, Jesus celebrates this, and can't wait to count down until the next time we share his love. Who will be the first person you are kind to in the new year?