“ Supply crisis: Will Christmas be cancelled?” That was a provocative newspaper headline. There are so many things that we often count on, all coming together with perfect timing, that the hope for a perfect Christmas celebration is practically unattainable when any of them is in short supply. However, Christmas itself is all about God's loving response to very real shortage.
It’s one of the most lovely images of the season of Advent. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby John leaped in her womb. Some have wondered how that's possible. The truth is, it's even more amazing to think of all the leaping for joy that's taking place now and all that's going to come as result of Jesus' saving work.
It must have had folks scratching their heads when the prophet Micah announced that the Savior of the world would be born in Bethlehem. Today, the little town of Bethlehem is famous but you can be sure that folks in Micah’s day were asking, “Bethlehem? Are you kidding?” But this tells us something important, and very comforting, of how God looks on you and me and our salvation.
Do you enjoy listing to Christmas oldies? A number of radio stations have curated lists of their favorites. Of course, when they say oldies, they’re referring to songs that came out primarily in the fifties and sixties. And many of them are actually songs that are based on earlier hits. But there’s also a favorite hymn of this Advent season that’s actually a clever remake of some much, much older music. Can you guess which one it is?
Christmas is a popular time of the year for most people – including thieves. It’s been noted that between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, thefts, burglaries and property crimes increase significantly. So, it’s not surprising that each year local police departments release tips on how you can safeguard your home for the holidays. Another thief goes into high gear at this time of the year. It’s the adversary. So Paul tells us the means by which God Himself protects for us the precious gift of pea...
It's not surprising at this time of the year to find that the package you were expecting on your doorstep is one that was actually meant for your neighbor. So when John the Baptizer sent his disciples to Jesus with the question, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else,” it almost sounds like they’re asking if there was some confusion in the delivery. But it’s a heartfelt question and one that might cross our lips as well,
What do you give to those you love? It’s the annual conundrum of Christmas. What do they like? What would bring them joy? What will my wallet allow? But the question that comes up in a popular Christmas tune asks, "What do I bring to Jesus, the newborn King?" The answer may surprise you.
You and I have good reason to sing and rejoice. The sentence for our sins is gone and through faith in our Savior, who died and rose for us, we have been reconciled to God. But did you know that God Himself sings for joy over you and this eternal reconciliation?
“Bah! Humbug!” That's the famous line from Charles Dickens 18th century story, “A Christmas Carol.” It’s the contempt-filled reply that Scrooge gives to in response to Christmas greeting shared with him by his cheerful nephew. But have you ever wondered what this phrase means?
Someone you love may not be with you this Christmas. And that may make it feel especially difficult to be around those who are celebrating. In fact, more than once some have said, that, they don’t feel very joyful and and have even thought about skipping Christmas altogether. You may be feeling this way as well. But I hope you’ll reconsider. The truth is that this Good News of Christmas is especially for you.
Here in Luke, he quotes a highway project that was described all the way back in the days of Isaiah. What Isaiah descried is a picture of what took place when ancient kings would visit a region. In anticipation of their arrival the the roads were cleared of debris and other hazards. The cry here was for the people of Israel to prepare their hearts for the coming of the Messiah, the Savior. It’s the same Advent cry that’s made to you and me this day.
“Batteries not included.” Three tiny words. And they’re not always easy to see on the box. But you’ll recognize their importance on Christmas when the gift is unwrapped and there’s no way to power it up. When God sent John to announce the coming of our Savior, He sent Him out to not only call people to repentance and faith but provided the power to go along with it. God's gift to you of salvation is the complete package. You could say it comes "batteries included."
In fairy tales, they begin with a common literary device that provides neither any datable chronology or point of reference on a map. They simply begin, "One upon a time in a land far away ..." That’s not how Luke begins his narrative describing the events surrounding the birth of our Savior. That's because God, His love for you, and the eternal rescue He sent His Son to carry out on your behalf, are all real. This isn’t a story detached from the events of your life but it is life itself in Him....
When it comes to nostalgia, our memories are like a sieve. It’s like sifting the lumps out of the powdered sugar sprinkled over cookies or flour for Christmas baking. However, what Jesus came to do for us is even better.
"We need a little Christmas, right this very minute!" Chances are good you may have heard the familiar lyrics and found yourself singing along with the popular Christmas hit. You could almost imagine the folks in Malachi’s day singing something similar to this. But anticipation was giving way to impatience with God. Have you found yourself feeling impatient with God and wanting to see a little more of His action in your life?
In Psalm 98, the psalmist says, “Sing to the Lord a new song.” It’s a phrase that’s heard there times in the Psalms. And it’s also included in Isaiah. And chances are good we’re going to sing these words in worship on Christmas. However, is this God’s way of telling us we need some fresh music in the Christian hit parade? Is the psalmist saying we should ditch the familiar old hymns and carols?
On April 3, England’s Daily Mail ran an editorial about COVID vaccines with the headline, “Easter’s greatest gift: The real hope that our ordeal is almost over.” The editorial itself wasn’t especially memorable, but the headline sure raised an eyebrow. The “hope that our ordeal is almost over” turned out to be premature. But does it sound that way as well when we hear God's announcement to Zechariah? With all that's going on in your life, and as Christmas approaches, does it seem premature to ce...
Have you ever caught you’re thumb in a mouse trap? When Jesus reminded the disciples to be alert and ready for that day when He comes again in glory, He used the language of a trap. And He described two forms of bait the world uses to entice us.
Hearing of the signs and circumstances surrounding our Savior's return may leave us feeling shaken. However with the full confidence of faith, knowing that the day of His return is coming and our redemption is drawing near, we are stirred to action. We are blessed to share the Christmas message of His first coming to bring us forgiveness, life and salvation.
While sounding strange to us, these images Jesus described would take place at His coming would have been familiar to the disciples. It’s the language of judgement from the Old Testament. Yet, because of what Jesus has accomplished for us, through faith we need have no fear of condemnation.
In Jeremiah, God spoke a remarkable promise through the prophet. If you've ever found yourself feeling as if all is lost, here's a promise you will want to hear!
In Philippians, the apostle Paul gives us a list and says, "Think about such things." However, like a song in a musical, it may just sound like the happy lyrics of a life detached from reality. Far from it. In fact, with Advent beginning tomorrow, and the readings about the coming of our Savior, "these things" are not as hard to imagine as we might think.
At twilight, when you and I may be feeling sleepy, is the time to watch. Jesus tells us there's also another time – in fact right now – when, instead of falling asleep, you and I will want to be alert.
Worry doesn’t change anything. That’s why, here in Philippians the apostle Paul points us to the One that does. And here's why he says you and I can do all this with real thanksgiving in our hearts on this festive celebration.
At Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia, the beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean is also accompanied with warnings not to walk on the rocks, fall into the water, and be swept out to sea. Nevertheless, people continue to do just that. Many have suggested that more warnings are the answer. When it comes to God's Law, some have thought that perhaps more laws and warnings would help to keep people from falling. However, Jude points us in a different direction – to the One who keeps us from falling.
One of the more uplifting and enduring images that comes to mind when folks hear of an oil spill are the commercials on TV showing ducklings being carefully washed clean. And the means used to clean them remains them same. When it comes to cleaning you and me, God directs us to the same means that has endured for centuries. It still works.
"Build yourselves up!" Sounds like a good slogan for a gym or fitness club, doesn’t it? However, when we look in the mirror of God’s Law what we see staring back at us is our sins and shortcomings instead of the strong and sanctified superhero we long to be. But Jude is peddling some false message of self-reliance. He's got good news that's worth hearing – and handing on to.
Did you know that tomorrow is known as “Stir Up Sunday”? It's a tradition that dates back to Victorian times. It involves a special recipe and a family activity. But it points beyond tasty baking to all of the special ingredients that God has bought together to bring us salvation and savor the opportunities to share His mercy and love with those in our midst.
Sometimes, it's tempting to find our security in the size of our church building instead of our Savior. But Scripture reminds us that whether you find yourself worshipping in a beautiful, ornate church, or a modest cabin in the woods, we can rejoice that where the Gospel is proclaimed in truth, and His sacraments administered according to His Word, there is God in our midst as we gather in His name.
Have you ever wondered, “What can I do in church that I can’t do at home?” After all, I can sing hymns in the garage and I can pray at the cottage. It’s true. But gathering in worship has more to do with what Christ does for us that it is about what you and I do for him.
