“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…
Family traits can be funny things. It may be the color of our hair, a dimple in our cheek, or some of our mannerisms. Junior walks just like Dad. Sissy twirls that lock of hair just like Mom. Buddy’s exploding laugh reminds us of Grandpa. Whether our earlobe is attached…
“But test everything; hold fast what is good.” (I Thessalonians 5:21, ESV) What is compromise? It is usually defined as “an accommodation in which both sides make concessions.” Is this a good thing, or is compromise something to avoid? In some instances, we may find compromise is a good thing.…
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven . . . a time to keep, and a time to cast away” (Ecclesiastes 3: 1, 6). It’s so easy to procrastinate when I know I need to clear out old papers, clothing items…