The Scriptures provide us the choice between a wide, easy path leading to death and a narrow, difficult path leading to life. In Christ, by the power of the Spirit, we can walk the journey of the well-worn narrow path by engaging in rhythms of intimacy like solitude, prayer, and studying scripture in community to cultivate a deeper relationship with God, leading to the abundant life filled with joy, peace, and purpose.

God’s path for us, as described in Psalm 1, leads to life and freedom, rather than the world’s way that leads to destruction. Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 7 and John 14 further highlight this narrow path to life, which is difficult yet rewarding. As we enter a new year, let us focus on following Jesus, not just personal goals, and seek abundant life through faith in Him. May Jesus be our guide as we journey this well-worn, narrow path.

In “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Charlie Brown struggles with the overwhelming commercialization of the holiday he loves. His attempt to direct a Christmas play that highlights the ‘true meaning’ of Christmas seems doomed to fail. But when all hope feels lost, Linus reminds everyone that the beauty and joy of Christmas isn’t found in things, toys, or clothes–it’s in the glorious news that Jesus Christ came to save sinners. This Christmas, may we worship, rest, and rejoice in the truth that God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son for us.

In “Arthur Christmas,” Arthur goes to extraordinary lengths to deliver a gift that was missed before Christmas morning. His unwavering love and determination remind us of the lengths Jesus went to save His people. This Christmas, let us rejoice in the truth that our God delights in leaving the 99 to save the 1.

In “It’s a Wonderful Life,” we find that ordinary choices, like George Bailey’s forgotten selfless actions, can have profound impacts. Being made in God’s image and having been redeemed through faith in Christ, we can see our lives as meaningful, regardless of our accomplishments. We can also embrace opportunities to love and serve others in simple, yet significant ways.

In Miracle On 34th Street, faith is declared despite a great lack of evidence. But Hebrews 11 tells us that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for.” What a joy it is that God shows us that He can be trusted. That we can be assured of the hope of our future. And that this hope is infinitely more secure because Jesus is better.

In A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge found himself transformed by a vision of his past, present, and future. The story of God and the gospel offers followers of Jesus a much greater vision of our past in the virus of sin, our present in being made alive in Christ, and our future hope of God’s eternal kindness.

As we follow Jesus, we have great hope in our sufferings, knowing that God, our faithful and abiding possession, will keep us faithful to endure even as we waver in faith and joy and that we may receive the promise of what’s to come.

In this passage, the author of Hebrews speaks to two groups of people. First, he soberly warns those who have rejected Christ and His sacrifice completely. He then reminds the followers of Jesus that God is faithful to love, forgive, and sanctify His people. He does this, that both groups would draw near to Jesus, and be sure that Christ’s death was enough to cleanse all sin.

To conclude all that has been said, the author of Hebrews reminds us that Christ’s return is coming! Therefore, the author calls us to be a people who faithfully draw near to God, hold fast to Jesus, and continuously consider how to provoke one another towards increasing love and good deeds!

Jesus is the eternal high priest and the fulfillment of the new covenant. The new covenant, as described in Jeremiah 31, promises God’s law written on hearts and the forgiveness of sins, empowering believers to follow God with confidence. Believers are made perfect by Jesus’ finished work and are enabled by the Holy Spirit to choose righteousness as He ensures their eternal safety and freedom.