She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21 NIV) The world waited in anticipation as the British royals not only announced the gender, but also the name of their new family member. It seemed as thoughContinue reading "His Majesty, King Jesus"
Do Not Be Afraid
The words, "Do not be afraid" ring like an echo throughout the birth narrative. We hear them when the angel(s) of the Lord:Tells old and fearful Zechariah, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John." (LukeContinue reading "Do Not Be Afraid"
The Best Gift Ever
“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2 NIV) We often associate the magi, or wise men, with the gifts they brought to the Christ child, while overlooking the best gift they gave Him before they presented HimContinue reading "The Best Gift Ever"
What Will You Give Him?
They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.(Matthew 2:11 NLT) One Christmas, I found myself contemplating on the well-known song, “Little Drummer Boy.” Unlike the Magi, the little boyContinue reading "What Will You Give Him?"
You Shall Call His Name Jesus
She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21 MEV) I was at the mall a few years ago when I ran into an old friend from elementary school. Many years had passed but I still remembered her name and sheContinue reading "You Shall Call His Name Jesus"
Mary, Did You Know?
But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throneContinue reading "Mary, Did You Know?"
Born to Stand Out Not Fit In
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:34-35 NIV) Jesus was no ordinary baby.Continue reading "Born to Stand Out Not Fit In"
Hanukkah
The Temple of God was then dedicated with great joy by the people of Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the people who had returned from exile. (Ezra 6:16 NLT) When the Jerusalem Temple was rebuilt, the Israelites celebrated its dedication with joy. The word “dedication” in today's passage translates the AramaicContinue reading "Hanukkah"
The Grinch Who Stole My Blessing
Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God’s lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God’s blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears. (Hebrews 12:16-17 MSG) When Jacob got the blessing of the firstborn, his olderContinue reading "The Grinch Who Stole My Blessing"
Worship the King
"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." (Matthew 2:2 NIV) In the Netflix Season 4 of The Crown (the only Season I've watched to the end!), Princess Diana is reminded by Prince Philip that everything revolves aroundContinue reading "Worship the King"
Rising with the Son 