Luke 2:10-11 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” I saw a sign on a marquee today: The gift of Continue Reading…
1 Corinthians 11:2 “I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you.” Ornaments on our tree reminding me of special friends, of special places, of special events like “baby’s first Christmas.” Candle-lit Christmas Eve services. Eggnog coffee. Gift opening Continue Reading…
John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Gifts. Gifts. Gifts. Gifts come in all sizes and packages, but at Christmas we focus on the one gift that surpasses them all…. The best gift ever given to the world—the Continue Reading…
Isaiah 53:1 “Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? There are two types of people in the world: those who love surprises and those who hate them. I definitely fall into the first category…especially around Christmas. My husband likes to tell the story of Continue Reading…
Luke 2:10 “And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people….’” Sometimes my mind feels like a pinball machine. Spring-loaded thoughts dart, spin and flip everywhere looking for a place to land. Emotions ranging from Continue Reading…
Mark 2:27 “Then he said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.’” I’m going for “tunnel vision” this Christmas. I want my mind to be wrapped around one overriding thought: Christmas was made for us, not us for Christmas. Of course I’m paraphrasing what Continue Reading…
Luke 2:12 “And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” [ESV] When the angel appeared to the shepherds, they certainly had no fore-warning. They were quietly watching over their flocks when the glory of the Lord appeared. The Continue Reading…
Luke 2:10-11 “And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” [ESV] Taxes…lots of taxes. Political power on steroids. A religious establishment Continue Reading…
Luke 2:11 “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” The contrast could not be sharper. Jesus’ arrival and departure on earth paint stark differences. Mary’s kiss of affection on her baby’s cheek is replaced with Judas’ greedy kiss of betrayal. Adorned in Continue Reading…
Luke 2:35 “…And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” I recently had opportunity to attend the annual Christmas concert at the college where I teach. The joy of the season emanated through every song, but there was one arrangement that especially touched me. Mary Did You Know? Continue Reading…