When Peter wrote the letter we now know as 2 Peter, he was acutely aware that his time on earth was drawing to a close. After over 30 years of faithful service as an apostle and servant of Jesus Christ, Peter’s final words in this letter are filled with heartfelt exhortation and wisdom. In the very last verse, he urges: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

As we begin 2025, I am excited to share our congregational overview tomorrow and introduce our scriptural theme for the year: “Growing in the Grace and Knowledge of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Reflecting on 2024, we embraced the theme of Philippians 3:20: “Our citizenship is in heaven.”  This focus served us well, especially during a year many anticipated to be politically divisive. We prioritized seeking His kingdom and righteousness above all else.

Now, in 2025, we turn our attention to growing in grace. John beautifully describes Jesus in his gospel: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Jesus exemplified both grace and truth perfectly, and John continues, saying, “And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace” (John 1:16). This “grace for grace” reminds us of the overflowing abundance of His unmerited favor, given and multiplied to us again and again.

While many would describe our congregations as firmly rooted in the truth, can we also grow in grace—in our thoughts, words, and actions? The Greek word charis, translated as "grace" 122 times in scripture, offers a wealth of passages for us to explore and embody this year.

I look forward to speaking often about this theme throughout 2025, and I encourage each of us to take Peter’s final exhortation to heart. Let’s strive to grow in grace and knowledge, reflecting more of Jesus Christ’s grace in our lives and relationships.

As we enter this Sabbath, let us also remember to pray for those in the Los Angeles area who are facing devastating losses from apocalyptic-type fires. These fires have consumed thousands of homes and buildings, and several members of the United Church of God have lost everything. Let us keep them in our prayers, asking for God’s comfort in their time of need.

As we close, I leave you with more of Peter’s words: “May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord” (2 Peter 1:2). May this be our collective prayer and pursuit in the year ahead.