It's Theme Thursday. Some say that Christmas these days is focused too much on presents, presents, presents. As we've seen, with a little tweaking, we can change that phrase to better resemble what the season is all about. We've been blessed to look at 1)God's present, and 2)how He presents it. Today, we rejoice in 3)His presence!
It's fun to go out and see the all Christmas decorations. Some towns even have contests and special categories by which to judge them. Jesus asked the people who came out to see John, "What did you go out into the desert to see?" And He gave them three categories by which they might have judged him.
The apostle Paul says, "Rejoice in the Lord always." But what if you don't feel like you want to rejoice? What if your spouse died this year and this is the first Christmas time without them? What if you have experienced the loss of a child or the death of a friend? You may even feel like skipping church entirely this year. Please don't. Our Savior's birth gives you even more reason to find a good seat in worship. Here's why.
Do you remember how, when you were little, you were the first one out of bed on Christmas morning? James wants to rouse you and me with the same joy as we wait patiently for that day of His second coming. In fact, it's because of our Savior's first coming that we can look forward to it in real joy - and in patient anticipation.
"I'm not feeling the Christmas spirit this year." Have you heard someone say that this year? Have you said it yourself? St. Paul invites us to step back and then puts his finger on what will truly make the difference.
Should a Christmas tree have decorations with many different colors or should they be monochromatic? Here's a discussion that's sure to create a fun debate ... but it can also be handy reminder of what God has done for us in the Christmas gift to us of His Son.
There are all different way to present a gift. You can wrap it in colorful paper or foil or put it in a stylish gift bag. But see at how God presents the precious gift of His Son, our Savior.
John the Baptist must have made for quite a sight. It's certainly not an image you might expect to find on a Christmas card. But his message is a good one to hear as we get ready to celebrate our Savior's birth.
John the Baptizer called the people to recognize their need for a good top-to-bottom cleaning. He told them, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Repentance includes our sorrow for sin and confessing and turning away from them. But in faith, John calls us to turn in faith to our Savior who has come to forgive us and make us clean Himself.
In light of their sins, the descendants of David were like a tree which would soon be stumped. Now the question had to be, "How will God ever fulfill the promise He made to send a Savior?" – since He promised He would come from David's line. It seemed as if these Christmas plans were dashed. Isaiah tells us what makes God's gift of mercy so remarkable! In fact, it's even worth singing about.
The Advent season can be peaceful and filled with joy. And at the same time it can be filled with shadows and fear, stress and discouragement. Think of it like riding on a bus. Paul has some great advice for the trip.
Some things turn out even better than first recognized. While most people around us may have heard of Jesus they not realize fully who He is and what He has done for them – and continues to do today. Advent is terrific time to hear of the incredible love that God has for us in His Son.
It's Theme Thursday. Some say that Christmas these days is focused too much on presents, presents, presents. With a little tweaking, we can change that phrase to better resemble what the season is all about. On this, and the next two Thursdays, we will look at 1)God's present, 2)how He presents it, and 3)His presence!
Introductions at parties are a often a big part of these days leading up to Christmas. Whenever we introduce someone we usually tell everyone their name and the special association we have with them that makes them special. In Jeremiah, God Himself shares with us an incredible introduction.
Some opportunities are too good to miss. Paul wants you to know of one that's available for a limited time only.
In Isaiah the prophet describes a mountain top invitation from the Lord where we gather to hear Him "teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths." We are blessed that God gives us precious opportunities during this Advent season to hear His Word in our devotions and worship.
A flashlight isn't much good without batteries. Jesus even shared a parable with His disciples to reminds us. As you and I await our Savior's return, God Himself keeps our faith burning brightly for that day as we hear His Word at home in our devotions and together in worship.
Bad deal? That's what some Black Friday shoppers may feel if they discover the item they purchased today at an even cheaper price in the coming weeks. There were some in Malachi's day who felt that they got a bad deal following God's commands and repenting of their sins. They complained that those who did evil prospered. Have you ever been tempted to feel this way, too? Check out what took place for you on Good Friday.
Jesus healed ten lepers who cried out to Him for help. Only one returned to give thanks to God. You have to feel sorry for the other nine. They missed the best part.
When the Large Hadron Collider was built it was expected to reach collision energies of as much as seven trillion volts. The design for its replacement, the Future Circular Collider, may reach over ten times that amount. Our Savior's power for you is even greater. He is the One who created the universe - and holds it together. In faith, you can be sure that nothing can shatter the love that God has for you in His Son.
Have you ever wondered what difference it makes to be a child of God? As far as the world is concerned, they can't see any difference at all. At times, you and I may even be tempted to feel the same way. However, there is a difference. You can be sure of it.
Three years ago an amazing rescue took place in the winter darkness of Antartica. Paul couldn't help but marvel over the rescue mission that God Himself mounted to rescue you from the "dominion of darkness." God loves you and here is how precious you are to Him.
There has always been a desire for a means to spread rapidly matters of urgency and importance. And that was Paul's desire as well when it came to spreading the Gospel. Today, we have more means than ever to communicate matters of importance – radio, television, even spiffy little podcasts – but the best one for sharing remains unchanged to this day.
As God's redeemed children we look forward to the day of our Lord's return in glory. What may surprise us is hearing in God's Word that creation itself looks forward to this day as well.
Amen. It's such a familiar word that we may say it without really thinking about what it means. It's a little like saying "Gesundheit" when somebody sneezes. But it's a great word that is chock full of meaning. Here's why it's used throughout Scripture, when we confess our faith, and often in worship.
Have you looked up to watch the Leonid meteor shower this year? It's not exactly the end of the world. In fact, this year it hasn't been much at all. However, no matter what you and I may face in this life, and even if it's the day when the Son of Man returns, Jesus says, "Lift Up Your Heads." You and I can look up in faith.
The disciples marveled over the temple in Jerusalem. So it must have come as a shock to them when Jesus told them, "Not one stone will be left on another; ever one will be thrown down." Nevertheless, an even greater Temple was now standing before them!
A clear sign of what's around the corner is always appreciated if you're behind the wheel of a car. The day of Lord's return is coming. God's Word assures of what is just around the corner.
In 2 Timothy, Paul describes what will be a memorable day for all who have longed for our Savior's appearing.
Jesus tells us that in the resurrection they will "neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels.” It doesn't mean that we become angels. What does it mean?
