To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.” Isaiah 61:3 Do…
The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which being interpreted means, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23. As you celebrate Jesus’ birth today, know that God is with you; whether you are alone in your home or surrounded by many people.…
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. Oftentimes during the Christmas season, I meditate on the reason Jesus came to earth, more often than…
“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…