Increase

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41 Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. 43 When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44 Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day's journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety." 49 He said to them, "Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" 50 But they did not understand what he said to them. 51 Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor. (Luke 2:41-52 NRSV)

Dear Friend, Happy last day of 2024! I am praying that this has been overall a year of blessings; in the good and the bad, God has been with us and for that we ought to be thankful. And as we prepare for 2025 to arrive, let us begin it in prayer with full trust and confidence in God, and let us pray that we be made stronger, bolder, and more enthusiastic for God's work in our lives. There is much to do and so many still to reach; but we can! We're here to win the world to Jesus.

I grew up with two ancient Bible languages; Reina-Valera, and King James. I was good at learning and memorizing Bible verses, with Luke 2:52 being the first that I learned as a boy. I loved the cadence and power of it, and I share it here: And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Not that I truly understood the entire verse, but I loved that the verse has the word increase in it. And being at the time, the same age as Jesus, I truly believed in kid power and doing what I could to make a difference in my life as I tried to figure it out. I loved the idea that even though his parents misplaced Him, He was not lost at all; He was at home with God, and even for a 12 year-old sounded like a good place in which to be. I have to admit that I thought that as He increased in wisdom, He was also bulking up, for I thought stature meant build; it also says that He was increasing in His favor with God and with humanity.

Every year, His family traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. When Jesus was twelve, they went, as usual, but this time something remarkable happened: after the festival, His parents left, unaware that Jesus stayed behind. It took them a full day’s journey before they realized He was missing. They returned to Jerusalem and, after three days, found Him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening, and asking questions.

The scene is striking in many ways. The boy Jesus, though only twelve, displayed an extraordinary depth of understanding, amazing the scholars around Him. But perhaps even more remarkable is how He responded to His parents when they found Him. He said, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49, NRSV).

This moment in the temple offers a snapshot of Jesus’ divine identity and mission. As a child, He is already aware of His unique relationship with God the Father. Even at twelve, He is beginning to understand His purpose. His response to Mary and Joseph reveals that He is not merely a child of their household but also the Son of God, called to be in His Father’s house and about His Father’s business. Jesus’ wisdom and understanding were not limited to His human experience but pointed to His divine nature. However, despite His profound wisdom, Jesus is not rebuking His parents. Rather, He is teaching them that there is a larger, divine purpose at work in His life—one that they may not yet fully comprehend. This shows us a balance between Jesus’ humanity and divinity: He is growing, learning, and maturing, just as any child would. Yet, there is something unique about His growth. He is being prepared for a mission that will change the world.

Jesus' time in the temple teaches us several important lessons. First, it reminds us that even as we grow older, there is always more to learn about God. Jesus was already teaching the teachers, but He was also learning and growing in wisdom. We, too, are called to grow in wisdom and understanding—not just in knowledge but in relationship with God. Second, like Jesus, we are to be intentional in seeking God’s will. Jesus knew He had to be in His Father’s house, focusing on His heavenly calling, even if it was beyond His parents' understanding. How often do we, like Mary and Joseph, get caught up in our own plans and fail to see what God is doing in our lives?

Finally, Jesus’ obedience to His parents, even though He knew His true identity and mission, offers a powerful example of humility. He returned with them to Nazareth and “was obedient to them” (Luke 2:51, NRSV). Despite His divine mission, He submitted to His earthly parents, honoring them in the way that God desires all children to honor their parents.

We are called to follow the example of Jesus—to grow in wisdom, to be in relationship with God, to seek His will, and to remain obedient to those who care for us. As we journey through life, let us never stop seeking God’s wisdom and understanding, for He has much to reveal to those who seek Him with an open heart.

Let us remember that growth is not just a physical process but a spiritual one. May we, like Jesus, grow in favor with God and others, continually learning and maturing in Christ.

PRAYER: Loving God, We thank You for the example of Jesus, who grew in wisdom and understanding, and for the reminder that we, too, are called to seek You diligently and grow in our relationship with You. We pray for hearts that are open to learning, for the wisdom to seek Your will, and for the humility to walk in obedience to Your plan for our lives. Help us to remember that growth in You is not just about knowledge but about living out Your truth and reflecting Your love in all we do. May we, like Jesus, grow in favor with You and with those around us.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: This week, take time to reflect on areas where God is calling you to grow in wisdom and understanding. Are there specific ways He wants you to seek His presence more intentionally? Are there relationships or areas in your life where you are being called to humility and obedience? Commit to seeking God’s guidance, whether through prayer, reading Scripture, or engaging in fellowship with others. And remember, growth in Christ is a lifelong journey that requires patience, humility, and trust in His perfect timing.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

The Word Became Flesh

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1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. 15 (John testified to him and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, "He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.' ") 16 From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known. (John 1:1-18 NRSV)

Dear Friend, a blessed Monday before Christmas. I know this is a busy time of year and the traffic around us gives that away! Saturday was a "joy" driving into San Marcos' retail outlets and the traffic for Christmas gifts and traffic headed to the UT game in Austin made it a most difficult time. But let us keep our eyes on the prize: Jesus' birth for us; which was the beginning of all the awesome things to come. You're a better person, or can be, if you rely on God and trust God to make you become the blessing God needs to reach the world. Please pace yourself, pressure no one and let no one pressure you. Take a deep breath in and as you exhale, praise the Lord!

Prayerfully consider supporting this ministry with your prayers, fowards to family and friends, and an end-of-year financial gift. Thank you! paypal.me/eradiovalverde

If you do not like the Bible you own now, you're free to go and buy a new one. No one will question you or stop you. But there are some organizations that should you open the door when they knock on your door, will invite you to explore a new teaching and they will give you a new Bible or book, and ask you to turn in your current Bible(s) and attend some teachings about the "new" Bible. They may even ask you to avoid contact with your family until the classes are over. One such group will give you a bible that has an important change in it: Theirs reads "In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was a god." Boom! The entire power and revelation we find in this first verse changed; the "Word" whom we know to be Jesus, is not Jesus to this organization and is not considered God, but "a god." This really goes against what we hold to be truth.

The Apostle John begins his account not with a birth narrative or a genealogy, but with the declaration of the eternal and divine nature of the Word—Logos—which existed with God from the very beginning. This Word is not a mere abstract concept but is intimately tied to creation, to life itself, and to light that overcomes the darkness.

In this passage, we encounter the reality that Jesus is not only God's messenger but the very expression of God’s will, power, and presence. The Word became flesh and dwelled among us (John 1:14). The incarnation—God becoming human—is the profound mystery and miracle at the heart of the Christian faith. The infinite Creator, through Christ, enters into time and space, becoming one with us to reveal the fullness of God's love and to offer us a way to be reconciled with God.

The passage highlights several key themes: Jesus is the source of both life and light. His presence brings clarity, purpose, and the ability to overcome the darkness in our lives. Though Jesus came to His own people, they did not recognize Him, yet to all who did receive Him, He gave the right to become children of God. The Word, made flesh in Jesus, reveals God's grace and truth. Unlike the law given through Moses, which highlighted our inability to perfectly fulfill God's will, Jesus brings grace—unearned favor—and truth that leads to transformation.

Jesus, the Word of God, is not merely an idea to ponder but a living, breathing reality to be received and believed in. The message of John’s prologue is clear: Jesus is God made visible. In Him, we find both the revelation of who God is and the means to truly live.

PRAYER: Loving God, we stand in awe of the mystery of the Word becoming flesh, the Creator entering into our world to bring us life and light. We thank You that in You we find grace and truth that transforms us. Help us to receive Your light into every corner of our lives, and may that light shine brightly in our thoughts, words, and actions. Teach us to live as Your children, reflecting Your love to those around us. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we may boldly share the message of hope with a world that desperately needs it. This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Like John’s first audience, we often encounter Jesus amidst a world of spiritual darkness. Yet, we are called to be receivers of His light. Take time today to reflect on areas in your life where you need God’s light to shine—whether it’s confusion, sin, despair, or fear. Ask God to illuminate those places in your heart with the truth of His presence. Those who accept Christ are given the right to become children of God. This new identity brings both freedom and responsibility. In what ways can you reflect your identity as a beloved child of God in your daily life? Consider how you can demonstrate His grace and truth in your relationships, your work, and your actions.

I love you and I thank God for you,

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

The Humble Shepherd King

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2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” 3 Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son, and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. 4 He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. 5 And he will be our peace. (Micah 5:2-5a NIV)

Dear Friend, A most wonderful of Wednesdays be yours today! You deserve it! You were made for this special day! All the joys and blessings that are coming to you were prepared with love from God for you! Also, if you're feeling a bit weak or unprepared because of the seemingly overwhelming nature of the challenges you are facing, God is with you and guess what? God is bigger than all the worries and cares you think you are facing! And God always wins! Let this be a day of worshipful prayer and work for the Lord.

Today's passage reminded me of my birth town, Kingsville, Kleberg County, Texas. This small town is located about forty (40) miles southeast of Corpus Christi, Texas. It is the county seat of Kleberg County, and it is home to Texas A & M University of Kingsville; the US Naval Base of Kingsville, and the world famoy King Ranch. The population of Kingville was always small, averaging about 12-14,000 during the years of my birth until 1965 when we left Kingsville, to Houston, Texas. There was no comparison then and even worse now. It was my home and I have many fond memories from living there.

This passage shares with us what the prophet Micah shared with us about this town and what it would come to mean in religious history. Bet Lehem, the name in Hebrew, translates to "House of Bread". This is quite fitting given the area's agricultural background and importance in producing grain and other crops. We should also know that this was also the birthplace of King David. The prophert was referring to a humble child was born to a virgin mother, fulfilling a prophecy given centuries before. Micah 5:2-5 reminds us of this incredible truth: God's greatest gift, His own Son, would come in the most unexpected way. Born not in a palace, but in a humble manger, this Savior was destined not just for the people of Israel, but for all nations. His birth would mark the beginning of a reign of peace and justice, not through power, but through humble, sacrificial love.

Micah’s prophecy offers us a powerful vision of this King who would come from the tiny town of Bethlehem to shepherd His people with the strength and majesty of God Himself. It speaks of His ability to bring peace, not through military might or political dominance, but through the quiet strength of a loving shepherd who cares for His flock. It is a reminder that God’s ways are often contrary to our expectations. While we may look for power, influence, and grandeur, He comes in the unexpected, humble form of a child, a ruler whose greatness would extend to the ends of the earth.

This passage also speaks of the time between His first coming and His second coming. The people of Israel longed for a Messiah who would rescue them from oppression, but they had to wait. Similarly, we now wait in hope for Christ's return, when He will bring ultimate peace and restore all things. This Advent season, we are called to not only remember the humble birth of Jesus, but to live in anticipation of His second coming when He will stand, shepherd His people, and bring lasting peace.

PRAYER: Bread of Heaven, We thank You for the gift of Jesus, who came to us in the quiet, humble town of Bethlehem, bringing peace and hope to a broken world. As we enter this season of Advent, we ask You to prepare our hearts to receive Him anew. Help us to embrace the humility of Christ and to reflect His love and peace to those around us. Stir within us a deep longing for His return, when He will come again to shepherd us and bring lasting peace. In this season of waiting, help us not only to look back at His first coming but also to live in anticipation of His secoming. May our lives be marked by hope, humility, and love. We pray this in the name of Jesus, our Savior and Shepherd. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Is there an area where you need to embrace humility, let go of control, or surrender to His leadership? Seek opportunities to shepherd those around you—whether through a word of encouragement, an act of service, or offering a listening ear. As we wait for Christ’s return, let us be a reflection of the peace and love He came to bring, sharing His light with those who need it most. REMEMBER! It's not the size of the city where you live or where you're from; it's the size of your faith in the One Who is bigger and stronger than all things!

I love you and I thank God for you! Let's win the world for Jesus!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Ready for the Gift

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5 Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; 6 with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. 7 Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll— I have come to do your will, my God.’ ” 8 First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. 9 Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. 10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:5-10 NRSV Bible)

The best gift I ever received at Christmas was the knowledge of the love behind most things Christmas. Yes, there was that one Christmas when I badly, badly wanted a James Bond attaché case. Yes, I wanted 007's case that could shoot bullets, had an exploding note pad, a combination lock and contained the rifle that Mr. Bond sued with his license to kill; stock, scope, extension barrel; the works! And yes, I did indeed get that gift that year! I loved it but had to admit that deep down I knew that the real case of James Bond was not made of this cheap plastic like the one I received from Santa. Some years later I had the same feeling of joy as my bride and I assembled our first Christmas tree out of a paper towel roll, som alumnium foil and viola we had a tree complete with a handmade angel.

We come to a passage from Hebrews, our epistle reading for this coming Sunday in which the write reminds us of the precious and powerful gift of Jesus to the world. This passage from Hebrews challenges us to reflect deeply on the very purpose of Christ's coming, not just as a baby in Bethlehem, but as the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan of salvation. As we enter the season of Advent, the waiting, longing, and anticipation of Christ's coming stir our hearts and minds

In verses 5-7, we see the words of Jesus as He steps into human history. He doesn't come to offer more animal sacrifices or religious rituals that only cover sin temporarily. Instead, He brings Himself—a body prepared to do God's will perfectly. In a world where sacrifices were repeated year after year, Christ’s offering is once for all, final, and complete. His body, His life, offered in place of the endless rituals, is the very thing God desires. Jesus has the power to remove sin from our lives.

This passage invites us to ask: Are we offering to God the kinds of sacrifices He desires? Are we looking for external actions or rituals to make us feel justified, or are we willing to give ourselves fully to God's will? Christ came to do the Father’s will—He was not swayed by temporary measures of goodness but committed to complete obedience, even to the point of death on a cross. In His coming, He calls us into the same radical obedience: to lay down our own plans and agendas, and instead, to live according to the will of God. Advent is a time to renew our commitment to this deeper offering. It’s not about how many presents we give or how perfectly we decorate, but whether our hearts are truly ready to receive the gift of Christ and reflect His obedience in our lives. Christ’s offering invites us into a new way of living, where God’s will—shown through love, mercy, and sacrifice—becomes our own guiding principle. PRAYER: Gracious God, we thank You for the incredible gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who came to do Your will and offer Himself for our salvation. As we prepare our hearts for His coming, help us to lay down our own desires and to seek Your will in all things. May this Advent season be a time of deeper surrender, where we move beyond empty rituals and allow Christ to transform us from the inside out. Strengthen us to follow His example of obedience and love. We offer ourselves to You now, Lord, as living sacrifices, trusting in Your grace and mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: During this Advent season, let us take a moment to examine our lives and reflect on whether we are offering what God truly desires—our hearts, our obedience, and our willingness to follow His will. How can we make space in our daily lives to better align ourselves with Christ’s example of selfless love and devotion? I love you and I thank God for you! Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Magnificient! Yes, God Is!

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39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” (Luke 1:39-55 NIV)

The ad ran only once in the Judean Times. WANTED: Mother of God. There was nothing else. People noticed and talked about it. The phones in the offices of the Times rang nonstop, and no one ever got through. Some even tried to get inside the editorial offices to speak to those who dared to run such an ad. What was funny was that no one wanted to apply. No one felt worthy; the thinking was that such a person might have to have perfection in their character and living. And there was that issue of getting pregnant and the rumor was that the person selected needed to be a virgin. And that was just the first ad. The second ad was just as cryptic. FOUND: Mother of God.

Of course, no such ads appeared in any newspaper of the area or time, for there were none. And the selection of such an imporant person to fill that role was solely a decison of Almighty God. And the qualifications for such a person were humility, integrity, honesty, love of God, love of others, and an unending awe and wonder for all things God. We also find that the woman chosen had to have the ability to convey an awesome description of all things God. We all know that it was Mary whom God selected as the mother of Jesus and in this passage we find one of the most profound expressions of joy and praise in the New Testament: Mary's song, known as the Magnificat. This beautiful hymn of thanksgiving reveals the heart of a young woman who has been chosen for an extraordinary role—yet she sees it as an act of God’s mercy toward the humble and lowly.

When Mary visits her relative Elizabeth, the Holy Spirit stirs within her, and her heart overflows with a powerful declaration of God’s faithfulness. She recognizes that the God who has looked upon her humble state has also done mighty things for the world. The focus of her praise is not on her own greatness, but on God's greatness and His mercy—how He lifts the lowly, fills the hungry, and scatters the proud.

Mary’s words echo the central theme of Advent: God is coming to His people in a way that is unexpected, humble, and transformative. The Savior is born not in a palace, but in a stable, not to the powerful, but to a young woman from a forgotten town. This is God’s surprising way of working—through the lowly and the humble.

Advent is a season of preparation, of waiting, but it is also a time to reflect on the God who has already come in Christ and who will come again in glory. It is a time to recognize that, like Mary, we too are called to rejoice in God’s goodness, to trust in His promises, and to live with hope for the transformation He is bringing to our world.

PRAYER: Loving God, As we wait for Your coming, we join with Mary in proclaiming Your greatness. Thank You for looking upon us with mercy and grace, and for lifting up the humble. We pray that Your love and joy would fill our hearts this Advent season. Help us to live with hope, humility, and a willingness to serve others as You have served us. May we reflect Your light in a world that longs for peace and redemption. Come, Lord Jesus, and make our hearts Your home, for we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Let us also reflect on the ways in which God is working in our lives. In this season of Advent, how can we make room for the lowly and the humble in our hearts and actions? Who are the “hungry” around us who need to be filled with good things? What ways can we, like Mary, magnify the Lord in our daily lives and rejoice in His mercy? Take a moment to pray and consider how you can embody the joy and humility of the Magnificat today. Is there someone you can serve? A way you can reflect Christ’s mercy and grace? Advent is a time not only to await Christ’s coming but to live out the values of His kingdom, even now.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Awaiting Renewal

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14 Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! 15 The LORD has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. 16 On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. 17 The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” 18 “I will remove from you all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals, which is a burden and reproach for you. 19 At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you. I will rescue the lame; I will gather the exiles. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they have suffered shame. 20 At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunesbefore your very eyes,” says the LORD. (Zephaniah 3:14-20 NIV)

One of my favorite hymns is Tu Dejaste Tu Trono, which is the Spanish version of Room for Thee. (English version here: https://bit.ly/4fjGCb6. The words are haunting for they speak of not being room for His birth, i.e. the "no room at the inn" for Him, etc. As I matured and sang and sang that hymn every year it made me sad that He who had come to invite us in to a kingdom with room for everybody, suffered the reality of no room in what we could call a decent place for His birth, yet the hymn writer says the most important room we can offer Him today is the room we make for Him in our hearts.

Advent is the season of preparation and examination as we should quite purposefully and intentionally make room for Jesus, Who truly is the light of the world. Advent is a time of waiting, longing, and anticipation, but it is also a time of profound hope. In the midst of our expectations for Christ’s return, the Old Testament prophet Zephaniah offers us a powerful vision of God's promise of restoration and joy.

In Zephaniah 3:14-20, the prophet speaks to a people who are weary and burdened by their circumstances. Is he preaching or meddling? Israel, having suffered the consequences of their disobedience, is longing for deliverance. Yet, in the midst of judgment, God speaks words of comfort and hope. Zephaniah tells the people to "sing aloud" and "rejoice and exult with all your heart," for God is not distant but is in their midst, bringing salvation and restoration. The God who once judged and disciplined will now heal, restore, and gather the scattered. Have you ever stopped to ponder the awesomeness of singing in the Christmas story? Did you forget about the choir of angels who sang to the shepherds? The way Mary sang after she was told of her pregnancy and selection as the woman who would brith God's son? What keeps you from singing right now?

This passage points us forward to the hope that Advent offers: the coming of a Savior who will redeem and renew all things. God promises to deal with our brokenness and sin, to restore us to fullness, and to bring us peace. This season, we reflect not only on the first coming of Christ but on His second coming—when He will make all things new.

Zephaniah emphasizes the joy that accompanies God's intervention. The people of God are told that they will no longer have to fear. “The Lord your God is in your midst,” Zephaniah proclaims, “a warrior who gives victory.” These words remind us that God is not only with us but is actively working on our behalf. Just as the people of Israel longed for God's intervention, we too look to Christ as the one who will one day bring ultimate peace and justice.

As we wait for Christ to come, we are called to live in the assurance of God's love and presence, rejoicing in the hope that He brings. Advent is not just a season of waiting—it is a season of celebration, as we remember that God has already come in Jesus Christ and will come again.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the hope and joy that Advent brings. As we await the coming of Christ, may we be reminded of Your promise to restore, heal, and gather Your people. Help us to live in the joy of Your presence, knowing that You are near. Teach us to rejoice in the hope that You bring and to share that hope with those around us. In this season of waiting, fill our hearts with the peace and love that only You can give. Come, Lord Jesus, and make all things new. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Why not reflect on the joy and peace that God promises through the coming of Jesus. Take time each day to rejoice in God’s presence, knowing that He is near. How can you embody this joy in your daily life? Is there someone you can encourage with the hope of Christ, or a way you can share God’s love and peace in your community? Let this Advent be a season of joyful expectation, trusting that God is at work in our world and in our hearts, preparing us for His coming. Why not sing along to the Youtube video of Room for Thee?

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Prepare the Way!

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7 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” 10 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. 11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” 12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” 13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. 14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” 15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. 16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 18 And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them. (Luke 3:7-18 NIV Bible)

I am an international preacher. Not bragging, but a fact. I was serving a church in the Rio Grande Valley, and thanks to some church members I received an invitation to preach in a church in Reynosa, Tamualipas, Mexico. And I felt led to take with me, a costume from our Christmas pageants, of a character like John the Baptist. And for that sermon I thought I would preach from this passage, verse 7 and thus began my sermon to a group of men. To this day I do not know how they received this message, or especially the reference to being a "brood of vipers!"

In Luke 3, we encounter John the Baptist, a figure who calls God's people to repentance and radical change. This is the season of preparation; we prepare for the coming of Christ Jesus, and in this passage we find John's message as a call to our own hearts. His words are urgent, challenging, and yet filled with hope.

John's words to the crowds in verse 7 are stark: "You brood of vipers!" This strong language isn't meant to shame, but to awaken people to the urgency of the times. The people had grown complacent, relying on their heritage—"We have Abraham as our father"—and their rituals, rather than living out true faith. John calls them to something deeper: a life of repentance that bears fruit. For us, this season of Advent is a time to look inward and ask: Is my life producing the fruit of repentance? Am I just going through the motions of faith, or am I genuinely turning my heart towards God, allowing Him to transform me?

When the crowd asks, "What should we do?" John doesn't give a vague answer. He offers practical, actionable steps:

Share with those in need (v. 11).

Be honest in your work (v. 13).

Be content and avoid greed (v. 14).

True repentance isn't just about feelings; it leads to active change in how we live, how we treat others, and how we align our lives with God's values. In Advent, we are invited not just to reflect on Christ's first coming but to live in anticipation of His return. How are we living out the ethics of the Kingdom now?

As John baptizes with water, he reminds the people that someone greater is coming—Jesus, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. In this promise, John points to the hope of transformation, of cleansing, of new life. Advent is not just a time of waiting, but a time of hopeful expectation. Christ has come, and He will come again. The invitation for us in this season is to prepare our hearts not only for His birth in Bethlehem but for His return in glory.

PRAYER: Holy God, As we wait and prepare during this Advent season, we hear the call of John to prepare the way for Your coming. We confess that our hearts are often far from You, filled with distractions, complacency, and self-reliance. Forgive us, Lord. Help us to produce fruit in keeping with repentance. Open our eyes to the needs of those around us, and give us the courage to live out Your values with integrity and love. We await Your coming, not just as a baby in Bethlehem but as our returning King. Transform us this Advent so that we may be ready for Your glory. For it is in Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: This week, let’s respond to John’s call to repentance with tangible action: Find a way to serve someone in need: whether by sharing resources, offering a listening ear, or volunteering time. Examine your own life—are there areas where you are holding on to greed, selfishness, or complacency? Surrender these to God, and ask Him to help you live more fully in alignment with His Kingdom values. Take time each day to reflect on the hope of Christ’s coming. How can your life reflect the anticipation and joy of His return? Let this Advent be a time of true preparation—of heart, of action, and of deep hope.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Turn on the Light!

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68 "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. 69 He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David, 70 as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, 71 that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. 72 Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, 73 the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us 74 that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. 78 By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, 79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." (Luke 1:68-79 NRSV)

PRAYER REQUEST: This afternoon at 1 pm Central Time, a dear friend, Rob Rocha undergoes oral surgery to remove all of his top teeth and some of his bottom teeth, and replace them with dentures. It's a long process and Rob has asked prayers from us. May God grant him a painless procedure and a comfortable recovery! And a means to help fund that costly process! Prayers for his wife, Pauline, as she tends for him during this time. Also, prayers for my dear friend, The Rev. Bill Henderson, who on this trip is now under the weather; may God heal him and bless his wife Jody with patience as he heals! May God bless you in your needs!

"You Can't Hurt My Feelings! I Used to Hold the Flashlight for my Dad!" I still laugh and want to cry as I read that. I saw that on the famous (Infamous?) Arroyo Cafe signs that speak volumes of truth. Those of you who have held or tried to hold a flashlight for your dad know the truth behind that saying. As hard as I/we tried, it was never quite right! Most dads could only work on their cars after dark, and with daylight savings time changes, a flashlight was crucial for dad to see where to place the bolt on the repair job. And for most kids, holding a light steady was the last thing on their mind. "What am I missing while I'm out here? Is it Friday? Are the Flintstones on? Dang, and I'm out here with my dad trying to fix this old car again? Why don't we just buy a new one??"

Let us not forget that on the day of our birth, our dads were elated with joy! The last thing on our dad's mind was the goofy, shaky hands we would have in our childhood when he tried yet again to fix his car. No sir! "God has blessed me with a child!" Amen and amen! Here in this passage we are reading the words of joy Zechariah expressed on the birth of his son, John. No, he did not know that this baby would grow up to wear camel's skin and eat locusts and honey, but he did know that he would call the people of God to prepare themselves for the coming of the Lord; truly "the prophet of the Most High," who did go forth to preapre the way of the Lord.

We have witnessed truly a moment of profound joy and gratitude, filled with hope for the coming of the Messiah. In these verses, we see Zechariah prophesy about God's promise to redeem Israel and bring salvation to the world through the coming of Jesus.

Zechariah’s song highlights two central themes: God’s faithfulness and the light of salvation. First, he praises God for fulfilling the promises made to the people of Israel, beginning with the covenant made to Abraham. This salvation, he says, will free God's people from their enemies and allow them to serve Him without fear.

But it’s the second part of Zechariah’s song that strikes a chord with the Advent season. He speaks of the dawn from on high breaking upon us—"the light to those who sit in darkness." In a world of shadow and despair, Advent is a season of waiting for the arrival of that very light: the birth of Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world. God's "flashlight" is not in any way shakey! It's a steady, strong beam of light right where it should be.

Advent invites us to reflect on our own darkness. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the uncertainties and struggles of life—the personal hardships, the global challenges, and the everyday shadows that seem to cloud our hearts. Yet, Zechariah’s prophecy reminds us that the light of Christ has already come and is still coming. It’s not just a future hope but a present reality that guides us in the here and now. Just as John the Baptist was called to prepare the way for Jesus, we too are invited to be bearers of that light to others.

In this season of Advent, we wait, but we do not wait passively. We wait with expectation, knowing that the light of Christ is already among us and calling us to walk in that light, to share it with those who still sit in darkness.

PRAYER: Loving God, We thank You for the promise of salvation and the light that shines in our darkness. As we await the celebration of Christ's birth, help us to live in the hope and joy that His coming brings. Illuminate our hearts with Your love, that we might reflect that light to those around us. Give us the courage to step into the shadows with compassion and grace, guiding others to the peace and light that only You can provide. In the name of Jesus, the Light of the World, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: As we reflect on the promise of light in our lives, consider how you can be a source of light to others this Advent season. Is there someone you know who is struggling with loneliness, grief, or despair? How might you shine the light of Christ’s love into their lives through a simple act of kindness, an encouraging word, or offering a listening ear?

In the busy rush of the season, take a moment each day to pause and reflect on the light that Christ brings to your own life. Let it fill you with peace, and then extend that peace to those around you. This Advent, may we be not only recipients of God’s mercy but also active participants in sharing His light with the world.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

The Purifying Fire

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1 See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. 2 But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap; 3 he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. 4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years. (Malachi 3:1-4 NRSV Bible)

I grew up in a small town near the railroad tracks. Every year, or so it seemed, the circus would come to town. I wish I could remember the name of the circus company, but it was quite the event. About a week or two before its arrival by train, the circus would hire men to walk the streets around the town handing out flyers. And what flyers they were! Full color, different type fonts, pictures of elephants and clowns, trapeze artists and other eye-catching scenes that made every little boy and girl want to go to the circus! These messengers had already sold the circus to the poprulation that had no money, but with what influence they could muster up, and if moms and dads had some money, you can be sure those seats inside the big top would be filled. The hearts and minds of the little ones were already filled with joy and wonder of what was coming!

So should it be with Advent. In this passage in the last book of the Old Testament, the prophet is relaying God's word about the excitment of the coming event. There would only be one messenger to prepare the way for this coming One. We know what that event was; it was the birth of the Christ child, and thank God we know of the impact that event continues to have on the world even today!

Advent is a season of preparation, of waiting and watching for the coming of Christ into our lives and our world. As we light the candles on our Advent wreath and count down the days to Christmas, Malachi's prophecy invites us to reflect on what it means for the Lord to come—to truly come—into our hearts.

In these verses, we hear of a coming "messenger" who will prepare the way, and of the Lord who will come suddenly to His temple. This moment is not one of mere celebration or sweetness, but one of deep refinement and purification. The imagery Malachi uses is striking: the Lord is described as a refiner's fire and as fuller’s soap.

The process of refining is not a comfortable one. Silver and gold must endure intense heat to be purified, and so too, our hearts must face the refining fire of God's presence to be made pure. The "fuller’s soap" refers to the harsh cleansing agents used to remove dirt and impurities from wool—again, a picture of intense purification. In these images, we are reminded that Christ's coming is not just about offering us a gentle peace or the joy of the holiday season; it is also a call to allow God to purify and refine us.

This Advent, as we prepare for the coming of Christ, let us not only long for His peace and joy but also for the refining work He desires to do within us. Are there areas of your life that need purification—attitudes, habits, or relationships that require God’s cleansing touch? Perhaps there are wounds or burdens that need healing before the fullness of God’s peace can take root in your heart. Advent is an invitation to open those places to God, to invite the refiner’s fire to purify and transform us.

PRAYER: Loving and awesome God, As we wait for Your coming this Advent season, we invite You into the depths of our hearts. We recognize that Your coming is not only a moment of celebration but also a call to be refined and purified. We ask that You would purify us like silver and gold, removing the impurities of sin and selfishness from our lives. Refine our hearts so that we may offer ourselves in righteousness to You, pleasing in Your sight. Help us to wait with patience, knowing that Your purification is for our good, and that in the end, we will be made more fully into the people You have called us to be. Come, Lord Jesus, and prepare our hearts for Your arrival.This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Take some time each week to reflect on areas in your life where God may be calling you to a deeper purification. Is there a relationship that needs reconciliation? A habit that needs breaking? A burden that needs to be laid down? Why not set aside a moment of quiet reflection and invite God to purify your heart. Commit to actions of reconciliation, forgiveness, and healing, trusting that the refining fire of God is for your transformation. As you wait for Christ’s coming, let His love and grace refine you into the person He has created you to be.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.