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”. 20 – “That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.”…….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 can…….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 Okay, let’s get this genealogy stuff behind us, and get on with the real Christmas story. Not so fast!! Jesus’ genealogy is where the Christmas story begins, for had Jesus not been in the lineage of Abraham and David, His birth, His life, His ministry, His message, His death – even His…….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
The Lighting of The Prophecy Candle – (purple) the candle of hope Read Romans 15:12-13 As we begin the Christmas season, we must review the Old Testament prophecies that foretold the coming of a Savior. In Matthew 1:22-23, the gospel writer said, “Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken…….Read More