Last month, on December 21, you may have seen the rare conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in the night sky. It's been called the "Bethlehem Star" as some hold it's the one that led the Wise Men to Jesus. Some have wondered whether it was this, a supernova, a comet or any number of different phenomena that was the celestial sight mentioned in Scripture. Detailed scholarly discussions have taken place over the years to ascertain what was the real star of Bethlehem.
Jan 06, 2021•5 min
It’s tempting to tell ourselves that we know all there is know from God’s Word. And while Sunday School seems useful for kids we may imagine that there’s not much for us to get out of the ongoing study of God’s Word. But notice how Jesus Himself didn’t see it something to be overlooked.
Jan 05, 2021•5 min
Just like Solomon, and wanting to keep our lives rolling along smoothly, we ask God for a discerning heart. We implore Him to teach us His way that we may walk in truth. Solomon realized how easy it is to make poor choices. Sadly, the fact is that’s true for you and me as well. However, there is real mercy and real grace when our lives go off the rails.
Jan 04, 2021•5 min
Clothes are among some of the most special gifts for Christmas. For the person who is giving the clothing they have to imagine what they will look like when the other person is wearing them. On the other hand, for the person who has received this gift, they can look in the mirror and they see immediately how they look. However it’s just the opposite when you consider this gift of clothing that God has given to us in our Savior.
Jan 02, 2021•5 min
Having come through 2020, with all of its unexpected hurdles, heartaches, and challenges, what will come next in 2021? If you read the newspapers and magazines there are no end to the number of predictions. It’s tempting to think that someone might have the inside line on what’s ahead of us. Well, as redeemed children of God, we do. God is ahead of us. Instead of facing the unknown on our own, we have this amazing assurance.
Jan 01, 2021•5 min
“Is 2020 truly the worst year ever?” Now there’s a question that has been floating around for some time now. It’s the theme of a number of articles this week and of more than a few end-of-year retrospectives that news outlets are airing on this New Year’s Eve. It may be the worst year that many of us in North America will have experienced in our lifetime, but there have been others that came before it. In the midst of all the turbulence of this past year, the words in Psalm 91 we find a welcome ...
Dec 31, 2020•5 min
Back in the 80s, singer Mark Lowry began writing the lyrics for a song that has grown to become a Christmas favorite. It’s titled, “Mary Did You Know?” It might surprise you to know the answer. There's also another important question that can be asked along with it.
Dec 30, 2020•5 min
No Christmas gift is of much use if you leave it in the box. It’s not surprising how many people love to think of the “little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay” at Christmas. What is surprising, is when they leave Him there. Here’s the gift that’s no longer in the box. Here’s our Savior who is no longer "away in the manger," in the feed box. And look at all that comes with this gift.
Dec 29, 2020•5 min
There’s a great English tradition of popping Christmas Crackers at this time of the year. The cracker is a brightly wrapped cardboard tube that’s twisted on the end. Two people, one each side, grab and end of it and pull. When it pops open with a bang, inside is found a colorful tissue paper crown; a small trinket for a prize, and a piece of paper with a riddle or a joke. In Galatians, Paul sounds the good news of our Savior's birth with a bang, presents the crown of our salvation, solves a ridd...
Dec 28, 2020•5 min
Down through the centuries God communicated, through the prophets, that He would send us a Savior. Our hearts have thrilled, even this day, to hear those promises recorded by Moses, Isaiah, Micah and more in the Advent readings leading up this Christmas announcement in Hebrews. But now, everything has changed with the birth of our Savior.
Dec 26, 2020•5 min
If Christmas could have been cancelled it would have been. Not this year’s Christmas, but the first Christmas itself. But here’s the wonderful thing. Jesus did come! Christmas has arrived! Our Savior is born and He has brought salvation with Him. The circumstances of this year bring into unique clarity all that is unchanged – and all which can never be cancelled – God’s eternal love for you and His gift of a Savior.
Dec 25, 2020•5 min
This night of our holy Savior’s birth is not a distraction from this fear-filled and inquity-infected world, it’s the antidote! It’s the front page news announcing the cure for sin, shame and death. In love, God sent His Son to save us! The angel reports, “You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Dec 24, 2020•5 min
This year you and I have been told not to hit the road, not to book flights and not to line up for the train. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend “postponing travel and staying home, as this is the best way to protect yourself and others this year.” As you and I kick the rug and lament that we’re going to be on our own this year for Christmas, it might be useful to recall that’s how seems Joseph and Mary found themselves as the events of that first Christmas drew near.
Dec 23, 2020•5 min
“With so much going on in the world right now …” Have you heard that phrase recently? It’s been used to launch any number of conversations and news stories this past year. But, it's also a phrase that's been used in almost every year. In the Christmas Gospel, Luke lifts our sight to see the hand of God at work in the midst of all of it. God was pleased to move empires and all of history to ensure your eternal redemption.
Dec 22, 2020•5 min
It’s the kind of thing that you read and hear about, but you never expect it’s going to happen to you. Mary may have thought this as she heard the angel's announcement. As you hear the familiar words of the Christmas Gospel this week, we have read them and heard them before. But God wants you to know that these words of the forgiveness His Son came to bring are for you.
Dec 21, 2020•5 min
Living Christmas trees have caught on in recent years. As opposed to cut trees, these trees are sold in containers of soil and intended for replanting after its use as a Christmas tree. They usually usually include such varieties as Spruce, Pines and Firs. Hey, but what about ... an oak? Okay, chances are good that you may not think about an oak tree when we think of Christmas, but Isaiah uses this interesting image to describe the wonderful salvation that God has given to us.
Dec 19, 2020•5 min
Do you know what day it is today? Here's a hint: It involves a piece of clothing that you can wear at this time of the year. However, Isaiah describes something that you and I now wear every day through faith.
Dec 18, 2020•5 min
Have you ever played the game, “Who am I?” Here's one of those great, old parlor games that especially fun to play at Christmastime with your family. It almost sounds like the priests and levites were sent to play this game with John the Baptizer. You and I can play this game as well. It begins by recognizing who we are not and and who we are.
Dec 17, 2020•5 min
As parents, aunts and uncles continue toy shopping as Christmas approaches, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reminds them to watch out for those toys which present a danger to children. And they provide a number of useful tips. As we get ready to celebrate the birth of our Savior once again this year, Paul also gives us some useful safety tips to keep in mind.
Dec 16, 2020•5 min
Why can’t Christmas last all year long? That’s usually the lament that comes up shortly after the celebration on December 25. However, you and I are still ten days away from Christmas Day. Here’s an opportunity to be proactive. So, before that morning, take a closer look at what the apostle means when he describes the source of endless joy, continual prayer and unshakeable thanksgiving that lasts well beyond the holiday – and every day.
Dec 15, 2020•5 min
Oyez, oyez, oyez! The town crier, or bellman, would inform the people of the latest news and important proclamations. In Isaiah, a message was heralded that has been heard down through the centuries all the way to you this day. Here's great news to be heard in these days leading up to Christmas.
Dec 14, 2020•5 min
Today is National Poinsettia Day. Have you ever wondered how poinsettias came to be associated with Christmas? There's a popular legend attached to them. However, as with so many songs and stories that crop up in Christmas celebrations, the focus often shifts to the gifts we bring to our Savior – rather than the gift that God has brought to us. When it comes to the question of what you and I should bring to our newborn King, John the Baptizer reminds us of what God Himself invites us to bring....
Dec 12, 2020•5 min
What do you make of the apparel of John the Baptizer? Some have wondered if it reflected the poverty of the prophet. But, actually, it has much more to do with his message than a money clip.
Dec 11, 2020•5 min
Clusters of mistletoe, with their tiny white berries, are hung as Christmas decorations and couples often share their affection by exchanging a kiss when they stand underneath them. Well, as you can imagine, this came to a screeching halt this year when COVID arrived. However, the Psalmist describes a kiss that at one time also seemed unimaginable. It’s found here in Psalm 85.
Dec 10, 2020•5 min
Like most homes you probably have a checklist of things to get ready for Christmas each year. Mailing cards, wrapping packages, baking cookies ... As you and I approach the celebration of Christmas during this season of Advent, it’s useful to take note of the preparations that God made to get the people ready for the coming of His Son. Here's the important and useful preparation that can so easily be overlooked in the run up to Christmas - in this year or any year.
Dec 09, 2020•5 min
A variety of delivery services have all indicated that the deadline for packages to be delivered by ground service in time for Christmas is fast approaching. They want people to be ready. However, with so many packages being shipped this year, some are saying that delays may be inevitable. There was no delay in our Savior's first coming and Peter assures us that the same is true for the day when He will come again. It will take place in the fullness of time and right on time. Here's how God has ...
Dec 08, 2020•5 min
In the nineties a small, desert town built a sign that was to serve as a giant beacon promising weary travelers rest and comfort. In Isaiah, the prophet describes another beacon in the desert. And if you’re wearied by your sins, and feel far away from God, here’s wonderful good news. Look up and see what’s coming. The voice of the Lord cries out, “Comfort.”
Dec 07, 2020•5 min
To avoid missing a good sale savvy shoppers have taken to downloading apps for their phones that track the prices of items they have their eye on. You enter those items on a “Watch List” and it will watch for you. And then, if there is a price drop, the app automatically sends you and notification so that you don’t miss the deal. The day dawns when Jesus will return again. So He told the disciples, and you and me, to be ready. How do you and I do that?
Dec 05, 2020•5 min
A number of years ago there were a series of billboards that appeared along highways across the county. There were a series of tongue-in-cheek quotes purported to be from God. One of the billboards had this slogan, “Don’t make me come down there. Signed, God.” In other words, if things get any worse, if people get any more evil, if we’re not careful, God’s going to have to come down here and straighten us out, that some folks are in for a lot of trouble. But what it didn't say is the Good News t...
Dec 04, 2020•5 min
So much of our holiday celebrations at this time of the year are wrapped around nostalgia. While bringing tremendous joy and satisfaction, all of this nostalgia may account for why Advent and Christmas are such fragile celebrations for many. For as much as we embrace all those things that are familiar, if any change takes place it can often bring feelings of wistfulness and melancholy. But God reminds us something that will never change.
Dec 03, 2020•5 min
