Christ's instructions to the apostles defining the Christian life. He begins with the New Covenant, and how He is the true vine securing redemption for His people. He also defines 'fruit' (the essential evidence of conversion) and what it means to 'abide' in Himself.

Five expressions of love for Christ all found in this passage - all being a key to ongoing assurance, and all stirring greater love. For a new year, we see Christ's words - love learns, love trusts, love identifies, love serves and love obeys.

Not a charming story but a series of profound and vital facts about Christ and His work. Here the questions are answered - Why shepherds? Why an angel? Why 'good tidings'? Why the term 'Saviour'? Why the sign of a manger and then a choir?

In this last teaching discourse to the apostles the Lord impresses upon them things they have not yet grasped, especially about the Holy Spirit: that He is a divine Person, giving spiritual illumination and assurance, and impressing Christ on the hearts of believers.

A sequence of verses showing how to steer oneself toward consideration of others, use 'unbreachable barriers' to avoid sin, maintain diligence in all things, avoid giving superficial counsel, register and convey disapproval of wrong, and treasure family devotion and the means of grace.