The natural world, so evident to our senses, draws a curtain across spiritual reality. Philip Yancey.

Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. 1 Corinthians13:12

We live in the most comfortable world in history and yet are often the least comforted of any who have ever lived.

If our Message is obscure to anyone, it's not because we're holding back in any way. No, it's because people are looking or going the wrong way and refuse to give the gospel serious attention. All they have eyes for is the fashionable god of darkness. They think he can give them what they want, and that they won't have to bother believing a Truth they can't see. They're stone-blind to the dayspring brightness of the Message that shines with Christ, who gives us the best picture of God we'll ever get. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 MSG

There’s more that meets the eye.

We're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without His unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 MSG

Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither, C. S. Lewis.

TA: It’s not just that He came but how He came that tells us why and for whom He came.

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 ESV

TA: Hope isn’t just for the fortunate few but for everyone who will put their hope in Him.

Saved but still sad is not what Jesus set out to do in you! (Or Me)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13 ESV

A Present without Faith is a Future without Hope.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20 NLT