We are Jesus Christ's; we belong to him. But even more, we are increasingly him. He moves in and commandeers our hands and feet, requisitions our minds and tongues. We sense his rearranging: debris into the divine, pig's ear into silk purse. He repurposes bad decisions and squalid choices. Little by little, a new image emerges.

The path marked Humility will take you to the manger of the Messiah.

Engage with the Bible. Meditate on it day and night. Think and rethink about God's Word. Let it be your guide. Make it your go-to book for questions. Let it be the ultimate authority in your life.

I don't like hassles. But I love Christmas because it reminds us how "God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God" (Rom. 8:28 NLT).

Don't measure the size of the mountain; talk to the One who can move it.

Don't equate the presence of God with a good mood or a pleasant temperament. God is near whether you are happy or not.

I do believe that leaders have to be held to a higher standard, especially Christian leaders. I put myself in that camp.