Wednesday, December 23 Read Luke 2:1-20 Of all the characters in the Christmas story, the shepherds were the most amazing to me. Why? Shepherds were outcasts among the people; they were considered “unclean”, and therefore not welcome in the temple services—other than to bring the lambs, or course! But God used them…….Read More
Tuesday, December 22 Read Zephaniah 3:14-20 In this obscure passage from Zephaniah, God made an incredible promise to His people when He said: “I will bring you home.” He was referring to the days of King Josiah in Judah. But if we allow them, they can give us a fresh promise for…….Read More
Monday, December 21 Read John 3:16-17 Someone said John 3:16 is the whole Bible in one verse! No doubt it still is the most quoted verse in the Bible, and it does contain the essential elements of God’s plan for our redemption. When it is read in the context of our Lord’s…….Read More
Sunday, December 20 The Lighting of the Angel Candle–(purple) the candle of love–John 3:16-17 As we re-light the two purple candles and the pink candle, we remember the meaning of Advent is “coming” or “visit”! We are preparing for the Advent of Christ at Christmas; walking through those historical steps and taking…….Read More
Saturday, December 19 Read Matthew 2:19-21 When Herod died, and it was safe to return, God called Joseph to bring Jesus back to Israel. So, Joseph and Mary loaded the donkey again, and moved into the town of Nazareth, where Jesus lived until He began His ministry. Each person in the Christmas…….Read More
Friday, December 18 Read Matthew 2:16-18 When the Magi didn’t return to tell Herod where they had found the new-born King, Herod was furious. He was so filled with anger and rage he ordered all the baby boys, age 2 and under, living in or near Bethlehem to be killed. Since he…….Read More
Thursday, December 17 Read Matthew 2:13-15 Not only did God warn the Magi about Herod, but He also sent His angel to warn Joseph to leave Israel, go to Egypt, and remain there until the Lord told him to return. Joseph put Mary and Jesus on the donkey again, and left for…….Read More
Wednesday, December 16 Read Matthew 2:12 The Scriptures are silent regarding how long the wise men stayed with Joseph, Mary and Jesus, and we will respect that silence. However, Matthew leads us to believe that once their discovery was made, and the gifts were given, perhaps not wanting to interrupt their humble…….Read More
Tuesday, December 15 Read Matthew 2:11 No doubt the wise men were astounded to see this new-born King in such humble surroundings. No doubt they had expected Him to be the Son of royalty, perhaps a reigning monarch with all the splendor and wealth He would deserve. But even though they found…….Read More
Monday, December 14 Read Matthew 2:9-10 Because we have heard the story so many times, and because we learned most of our Christology from Christmas Carols, we have overlooked some very important details. After the wise men received their instructions from King Herod, the Bible says, “and lo, the star, which they saw…….Read More