“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). (Matthew 1:23 NIV) Those who have experienced the constant presence of God amidst the difficult times, appreciate the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and theyContinueContinue reading “Emmanuel: God With Us”
Category Archives: Christmas
Be Wise and Follow the Light
They went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. (Matthew 2:9-10 NIV) The wisest thing the Magi from the East did was to follow the light of Christ,ContinueContinue reading “Be Wise and Follow the Light”
Don’t Keep Silent
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). (Matthew 1:23 NIV) It’s been said that the first Christmas was anything but silent. People traveled to their own town to be registered for the census, a great company of angels praised God, shepherdsContinueContinue reading “Don’t Keep Silent”
Joy to the World?
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) On a first listen, “Joy to the World” sounds like an insensitive song title for those who are broken and hurting in our world (which is every oneContinueContinue reading “Joy to the World?”
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 momentsContinueContinue 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 hisContinueContinue 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 LordContinueContinue 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–wasContinueContinue 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 marriedContinueContinue 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 hasContinueContinue reading “When the Fullness of Time Had Come”
Rising with the Son 