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
Sunday, December 13 The Lighting of the Shepherd Candle–(pink) the candle of Joy–Luke 2:7-15 As we re-light the first two purple candles, we remember the meaning of Advent. Advent is a word that means “coming” or “visit”. We are preparing for the Advent at Christmas; walking through those historical steps, and taking…….Read More
Saturday, December 12 Read Matthew 2:8 King Herod Augustus, or as he preferred to be called Herod the Great, was appointed King of Judea by the Roman government. This was an insult to the Jews because Herod was not a Jew, and regardless of what he did to mediate between the Jews…….Read More
Friday, December 11 Read Matthew 2:6 In Micah 5:2, the prophet wrote: “And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.” The chief priests and scribes knew Micah referred…….Read More