But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:10 NIV)
Category Archives: Christmas
The Rising Sun
“Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death,to guide our feet into the path of peace.” (Luke 1:78-79 NIV) For those of us who have had to navigate through some really dark momentsContinue reading “The Rising Sun”
Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews
Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: Jesus of Nazareth, the king of the Jews. (John 19:19 NIV) 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 hisContinue reading “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews”
The Gift of Praise
“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.” (Luke 1:68 NIV) We find several people offering the gift of praise in the nativity story. We hear… Mary praising God in a song, also known as “The Magnificat:” And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the LordContinue reading “The Gift of Praise”
Jesus: The Reason for the Season
In the busyness of the Season, I’ve been doing my best to remember the Reason. I stumbled across this Christian parody of the classic Christmas poem, “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” It’s a beautiful reminder to keep Christ in Christmas. ‘Twas the night before Christmas–and in most of the town, Not a sign of Jesus–wasContinue reading “Jesus: The Reason for the Season”
Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. (Matthew 1:24 NIV) I don’t think we talk enough about Joseph’s sacrifice in the Christmas story. Joseph was a man who “was faithful to the law” (Matthew 1:19). He was pledged to be marriedContinue reading “Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain”
When the Fullness of Time Had Come
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4 ESV) “When the fullness of time had come…” God’s timing is perfect. He set the time for Jesus’ birth, just as He hasContinue reading “When the Fullness of Time Had Come”
Appreciate the Present
The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. (Deuteronomy 29:29 NIV) There’s a Christmas song that I like to listen to every year…It’s called, “Mary, Did You Know?” The song is aContinue reading “Appreciate the Present”
Love As He Has Loved Us
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so lovedContinue reading “Love As He Has Loved Us”
Say His Name
“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) Our two year-old nephews are learning to say our names. And even though they still can’t pronounce them right, they’re quickly learning that they will get ourContinue reading “Say His Name”
Rising with the Son 