“And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray.” (Mark 6:46, ESV) I was visiting an older friend recently when she explained that she didn’t know what to do. She could no longer get on her knees to pray, and this really bothered…
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6, ESV) It’s January, the beginning of a fresh new year. For many, it’s a time to reflect and reset. Some make resolutions while others set spiritual goals. Many start a new Bible reading chart,…
“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7, NKJV) Christmas. Just the word brings wonderful images to our minds—decorations, lights, shopping, family, celebrations, gifts, carols. Cookie-baking marathons…
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem.” (Matthew 2:1, NKJV) Of all those mentioned in the nativity story, we know the least about the wise men who came from the East. Matthew…
And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him . . . And coming in that instant she [Anna] gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him…
“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night . . . And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people . . .…
But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1:20, ESV) Mary and Joseph…
“And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.” (Luke 1:6, ESV) Sometimes life disappoints us. We have hopes and dreams that remain unfulfilled, even after fervent prayers. That may have been the story of Zechariah, a priest from the tribe…
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14, ESV) Four hundred years is a long time for God to remain silent. Yet, in the time leading up to the birth of the…