(We have been working our way through the Christmas Story in Luke 1-2 and Matthew 1. Mary and Joseph have been visited by angels, endured very challenging circumstances, and finally watched the birth of the God of the Universe in a shelter for animals, before being visited by local shepherds whoContinue Reading
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 NLT) A distant relative texted me when she heard about my dad’s death. She remarked on how sad it was to lose someone so close to Christmas.Continue Reading
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:2 NIV) As I write this it is the day after Thanksgiving. Yesterday we had 17 people around the table for dinner – mostly out-of-state family who came in for the holiday. Today we are in recovery. We don’tContinue Reading
Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord. (Psalm 107:43 NIV) You probably know that the Christian year begins with the first Sunday of Advent (the fourth Sunday before Christmas) and that Christmas is the second season in this year. Did you know that theContinue Reading
Some parts of the Bible come with questions and assumptions. The story of the visitors from the East is one. “Jesus was born in Bethlehem near Jerusalem during the reign of King Herod. After Jesus’ birth a group of spiritual priests from the East came to Jerusalem and inquired of the people, “Where is theContinue Reading
Today is a celebration! We’ve traveled through Matthew 1 and much of Luke 1-2 and, although the Christmas Story isn’t over yet, it’s still a fabulous day to celebrate Emmanuel who is with us!! Merry Christmas!! Today let us focus on three songs which help us celebrate Jesus’s birth. “GoContinue Reading
(We have been working our way through the Christmas Story in Luke 1-2 and Matthew 1. Mary and Joseph have been visited by angels, endured very challenging circumstances, and finally watched the birth of the God of the Universe in a shelter for animals, before being visited by local shepherds whoContinue Reading
“A voice of one calling: In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord.” (Isaiah 40:3 NIV) “With the season of Advent upon us (December 1-24, 2024), we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ first coming as a baby in Bethlehem. The term advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning coming or arrival, and marks theContinue Reading
You probably know that the Christian year begins with the first Sunday of Advent (the fourth Sunday before Christmas) and that Christmas is the second season in this year. Did you know that the “liturgical” season of Christmas is only twelve days long – lasting from Christmas through Epiphany whenContinue Reading
Some parts of the Bible come with questions and assumptions. The story of the visitors from the East is one. “Jesus was born in Bethlehem near Jerusalem during the reign of King Herod. After Jesus’ birth a group of spiritual priests from the East came to Jerusalem and inquired of the people, “Where is theContinue Reading