Have you ever attended a Christmas party for your spouse’s work? Have you ever been the plus-one at the family Christmas party? If so, you know what it feels like to be an outsider. You’re not familiar with the cultural norms. You don’t pick up on the inside jokes. Through Jesus, let us remember that outsiders are welcomed. No matter where you come from, being together is not about being the same, it’s about being in Jesus.
From the very beginning, the heart of God is for all creation to be together. God’s vision for togetherness is more than simply being at the same party. His vision for togetherness is called “incarnation” where “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
Advent is a season when we prepare for the second coming of Jesus. As we embrace this season, let us remember that the heart of Jesus is for us to be together with Him.
The Spirit unites the church in worship, fellowship, generosity, and mission. Unity is lived out in shared rhythms of prayer, meals, teaching, and generosity. Unity is not just an ideal—it is a Spirit-filled reality that transforms communities and invites others to participate.
Unity flows from humility, modeled in Christ’s self-emptying love. Jesus is the pattern: He humbled Himself, even to death on a cross. Unity comes when we trade pride for humility and self-interest for sacrificial love.
The Church is one body with many members, each uniquely gifted by the Spirit. Unity does not erase differences—it celebrates them under the headship of Christ.
Jesus prayed for His followers to be one, so that the world may believe. Our unity points others to Christ—it is missional, not optional. Unity is evangelistic; when we live as one, the world sees Jesus.