Category Archives: New Testament

“This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty.” (Matthew 5:45 MSG) “He’s making a list, and checking it twice; gonna find out who’s naughty and nice. Santa Claus is coming to town.” So goes the traditionalContinueContinue reading “Are You Checking Your List?”

But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. This very day in King David’s hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11 CEV) Faith Hill’s song, “Where Are You Christmas?” is a fitting song for those of us whoContinueContinue reading “Rediscovering the Reason for the Season”

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 thoughContinueContinue reading “His Majesty, King Jesus”

 “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 HimContinueContinue reading “The Best Gift Ever”

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 boyContinueContinue reading “What Will You Give Him?”

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 sheContinueContinue reading “You Shall Call His Name Jesus”

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?”

“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”

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”