Glory to God in the Highest
On December 25th each year most Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus in what is called Christmas. Like the angels sang “Glory to God in the highest” among the shepherds (Luke 2:14), we also sing that but often times in Latin (e.g., “Gloria in excelsis Deo”) from the song, “Angels We Have Heard On High”. But why do we celebrate Jesus’ birth? Why does it matter? Why do we give glory to God?
The Journey with Jesus
As we are approaching Christmas Day, I couldn’t help but think about what was happening “Christmas Eve” in the Bible. Of course during the time leading up to Jesus’ birth, there wasn’t a “Christmas Eve” or “Christmas Day”. However there were things happening just prior to Jesus birth. I started to think about Mary and Joseph and the journey they had to take. This journey was recorded in Luke 2:1-6…
A Light for Revelation
Luke 2:22 begins the account of when Jesus was brought to the temple so His parents could dedicate Him to the Lord and offer a sacrifice of either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. There are several aspects of the entire account (Luke 2:22-35) that I think are worth highlighting.
Encouragement, Hope and Truth
With the Christmas season upon us, the atmosphere around us changes. Lights shine bright, decorations occupy homes, places of business, and churches. Christmas songs fill the air and “Christmas classics” come on T.V. At the same time, Christians start preparing to celebrate when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus Christ was/is the Word John chapter one is referring to. Matthew chapter one verses 20-23 records that the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph 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. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord has spoken by the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel’ (which means, God with us).”