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 throneContinueContinue reading “Mary, Did You Know?”
Category Archives: Christmas
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.ContinueContinue reading “Born to Stand Out Not Fit In”
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 olderContinueContinue 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 aroundContinueContinue reading “Worship the King”
Be A Tough Cookie
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” (MatthewContinueContinue reading “Be A Tough Cookie”
The Real Star
Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:1-2 NLT) Many people rise toContinueContinue reading “The Real Star”
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!”
Rising with the Son 