Read Matthew 2:3 Because three gifts were given, we have assumed there were three wise men. The Book of Tradition says there were three: Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. But, since the Bible does not confirm that, we can only conclude the number of the wise men did not matter. It is also a common misconception…….Read More
Read Matthew 2:1-2 I hope you are beginning to get the picture that nothing about the birth of Jesus was “normal!” The way He was conceived, the place He was born, the announcement by the angels, and the visit of the shepherds on the night of His birth, were “supernatural” events, and the fact that…….Read More
Read Matthew 1:24-25 As we begin our personal studies this week, let’s review the four main things Matthew wants his readers to know about the birth of the Son of God. 18 – “Mary was found with child of the Holy Ghost.” Vs. 20 – “That which is conceived in her is of the Holy…….Read More
The Lighting of The Bethlehem Candle – (purple) the candle of peace – Luke 3:4-6 As we re-light the first purple candle, we remember the meaning of the word “advent” is “coming” or “visit”! We are preparing for the Advent of Christ at Christmas; walking through those historical steps, and taking our time so we…….Read More
Read Matthew 1:18-23 Having read or heard the story so many times, we tend to overlook many of the intricate details of these events and how they affected the lives of the people. The birth of God’s Son into the world was one of the most disturbing events in human history, and for several reasons:…….Read More
Read Matthew 1:18 One of the essential doctrines of the Christian Faith is referred to as the “virgin birth” of Jesus. Actually, Jesus was born just like any other child, but He was not conceived like every other child. To be the “Christ-child” – the “Messiah” – He could not inherit the sin nature that…….Read More
Read Matthew 1:16-17 We end our study of the genealogy of Jesus with three critically important truths. In verse 16, Matthew went to great lengths to ensure his readers understood, while Jesus was born to Mary, her husband, Joseph was not Jesus’ father. Jesus was not born of man but of the Holy Spirit. He…….Read More
Read Matthew 1:7-17 Today, we continue with the genealogy of Jesus from David as we follow the “kingly line”. This chart will be helpful. The genealogy of Jesus demonstrates that God’s grace is not inherited but rather “given” as He wills. For example, there are good and bad kings in the ancestry of Christ. Just…….Read More
Read Matthew 1:1-6 Matthew begins the Christmas story with the genealogy of Jesus. This is extremely important because Matthew is writing his gospel to convince the Jews that Jesus of Nazareth was the God-sent Messiah because He fit the two critical requirements. The first one was the Messiah must be from the tribe of Judah……..Read More
Introduction to Matthew’s Gospel – Behold the King Read Matthew 1:1 The four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, are the only indisputable records of the birth, life, ministry, and message of Jesus Christ as the Savior sent from God. The first of the four, Matthew, was written by a man who was also known…….Read More