Although the wise men are a classic part of nativity scenes, they wouldn’t have actually been present at the birth of Jesus, but we include them to remind ourselves of their role in the Christmas story. The Magi symbolize Jesus’s journey and ministry, and the wonderful gift He gives each of us.
Read MoreThere’s a difference between listening and hearing and the key lies in the response. As God calls to you in your own personal situation, what are you going to do about it? Are you prepared to do as the shepherds did, and answer God’s call? Take action and make it known to others what God has revealed.
Read MoreWhen we experience hard times or moments of discomfort, it is our tendency to try to avoid them. This was the case for Joseph as well, but when an angel came as a messenger from God to tell Joseph how to respond to Mary’s pregnancy and Jesus, Joseph answered faithfully. We can challenge ourselves to be obedient during difficult times.
Read MoreWhen we consider Elizabeth and Mary and their part in the Christmas story, we can see their uncertainty, hesitancy, concern, and bewilderment, but also their willingness to carry the weight of responsibility of what God is asking. It is not unusual to no know how you fit in God’s story, but we can be assured of God’s understanding of our situation.
Read MoreThis Christmas Day as we each think about where we fall in the midst of the Christmas story, remember God’s call to us. It is God’s intention that His glory shine through us, His children, in the way we walk, talk, work, and live with others. Take up the mantle to spread the glory of Christmas wherever you go!
Read MoreThe wise men on Christmas were the first gentiles to worship Jesus Christ— as soon as they reached Him, the men humbled themselves before the Son of God and offered valuable treasures. We should remember this response and remind ourselves, even when we feel like we have everything figured out, that in our relationship with God, everything we have is by His grace. We should take a lesson from the wise men and challenge ourselves to offer God our best.
Read MoreThe shepherds on Christmas may have been considered outside of society or unclean, but God used them to proclaim the good news of Jesus’ birth to the world. God’s glory is meant for all people, even those considered foreign or unworthy by society. He calls each of us to spread the good news to all we encounter.
Read MoreGod often chooses to use those people who are average or insignificant to demonstrate His glory. It is challenging for us to share the glory of Christmas with others, especially those we deem underserving, but God’s glory is for all people. This Christmas, try to spend time, give an unearned gift, or share the gospel with someone who needs it, regardless of how worthy they seem—because none of us is worthy of God’s glory, yet we may all receive it.
Read MoreAs we begin “The Glory of Christmas,” we consider Mary, and her response to experiencing God’s glory firsthand. Just like Mary, we may find the weight of God’s glory overwhelming, but we can know that God has a grand plan for each of us and we can rest in the glory of His favor.
Read MorePeople’s image-bearer relationship with God is not limited to certain groups or individuals—the Good Samaritan is just one example of how God designed ALL of mankind (all tribes, nations, and tongues) to bear His image. People may look differently from us, speak differently, vote differently, believe differently, or have different cultures and backgrounds, but they are created in God’s image. A neighbor is someone who shows mercy, regardless of differences.
Read MoreThe past year has proven there is a profound need for us to love our neighbors. Look at what Jesus did when He met Zacchaeus and strive to emulate it within your own community.
“Let us not get tired of doing good.” Galatians 6:9
Read MoreThe announcement of the birth of Jesus signaled that Jesus would bring peace to the world. We have been longing for relief and restoration and now we need the Prince of Peace more than ever.
Read MoreThe story of Christmas shows now only God’s absolute demonstration of love through sending his only begotten son, but also the grand reception he received, particular in the life of Mary.
Read MoreJesus accomplished so much on the cross: atonement, salvation, redemption, adoption, and through it all, forgiveness. This Easter we focus on the forgiveness we so desperately need and how Jesus has set us free.
Read More“Zacchaeus was a wee little man,” is something we remember from Sunday school or VBS, but too often we forget the themes of this very common story. It embodies the very nature of the gospel—the good news.
Read MoreJesus took some of his apostles to pray and they experienced a grand otherworldly event. From the Transfiguration of Jesus we receive three principles to consider.
Read MoreFathers don't always know best. Concentrate instead on something you have more control over, focus on DOING best.
Read MoreAfter His resurrection, Jesus walked with two men on the way to Emmaus. After teaching them about Scripture, the men's hearts were "burning within them" with zeal for God.
Read MoreIf all you had to build your beliefs about God were based solely on the references to the resurrection in the Bible, what could you tell about God's nature?
Read MorePay attention to how God prepares you for the next step in your life. Are you following His direction?
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