risingwiththeson

O Little Town of Bethlehem

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you,one whose origins are from the distant past. (Micah 5:2 NLT) Last year, I was blessed to finally visit Israel, the land where Jesus was born, ministered and died. I touredContinueContinue reading “O Little Town of Bethlehem”

Finding Jesus

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “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 2:1-2 NIV) It’s that time ofContinueContinue reading “Finding Jesus”

Born to Die

If you really think about it, the concept of death runs like a common thread throughout the birth narrative. A paradox, isn’t it? Mary could have been stoned for getting pregnant while unwed. Herod wanted to kill baby Jesus because he feared a competitor to the throne. And although he failed to kill the baby,ContinueContinue reading “Born to Die”

It’s a Boy!

For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given. (Isaiah 9:6 NIV) When my brother was born (after six girls!), it truly was good news for our family and friends. After all, in the culture I come from, having a son is a big deal (I still think girls are justContinueContinue reading “It’s a Boy!”

The Prince of Peace

He shall be called Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 ESV) We all long for peace – peace with God, others and ourselves. Lest we think we’re the only ones, let’s recap to 2,000 years ago when the Jews living under Roman rule prayed for the promised Deliverer Who would be called the Prince of Peace.ContinueContinue reading “The Prince of Peace”

A Dream of Christmas

I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. (John 10:10 MSG) In Hallmark’s A Dream of Christmas (yes, I’m already watching Christmas movies and no, it’s never too early to start), Penny, a restless married woman, wishes that she was never married. Her wishContinueContinue reading “A Dream of Christmas”

A Miracle Baby

Is it possible that a tiny baby can touch and change lives? Babies have an amazing way of bringing people together. When Lucas and Santino were born, we started to hear from relatives who had not spoken to us in years. They said they wanted to come and visit. There was more warmth in theirContinueContinue reading “A Miracle Baby”

Unearned Rewards

Some time later King Xerxes promoted Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite over all the other nobles, making him the most powerful official in the empire. (Esther 3:1 NLT) Even though the previous chapter ends with Mordecai saving the king’s life and his deed being noted in the king’s records, the next chapter begins withContinueContinue reading “Unearned Rewards”

Traces of God

“If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14 NLT) It has often been noted that the book ofContinueContinue reading “Traces of God”

Don’t Hold It, Share It

Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses’ aide since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!” But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!” (Numbers 11:28-29 NIV) When Moses, who hadContinueContinue reading “Don’t Hold It, Share It”