birth of Jesus – Be Still…

Luke 2:1-21 – What Does It Matter?

We often overlook the significance of this birth announcement. Jesus wasn’t just some baby who was born over two thousand years ago. Instead, quite a “somebody” because we’re still talking about him all these years later. People who know and love Jesus understand that he is way more than just a baby from the history books. This Bible passage is golden to help us see the “truth” be born.

Jesus is the truth that guides and shapes our lives. Jesus said of himself in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” When you think of Jesus’ birth, think of who he is and why it matters. Jesus shows us the way. It’s such an honor to know the life-giver as our way to the Father. Continue reading “Luke 2:1-21 – What Does It Matter?”

Luke 2:1-20 – The Birth Story

Read Luke 2:1-20

What a birth story! Any mom will tell you their story of what happened during their pregnancy and delivery. There is something precious and holy about the miracle of life that breaks forth from our bodies. While memory of the pain of childbirth fades, other details are held dear as a precious treasure. There is no greater joy than to see your baby for the first time. Is that what Mary was feeling in this story? Imagine Mary looking at her son, and it was the LORD looking back at her.

This story can become too familiar when we hear it year after year. How do we keep it fresh so that the joy and wonder can be felt afresh each time we read it? We can insert ourselves into the story and imagine we were there as a shepherd or even a barn animal looking on. A different vantage point brings fresh perspective. We can also try to set aside everything we know and read the story as if it’s the first time we heard it. Continue reading “Luke 2:1-20 – The Birth Story”

Advent ? 2 Corinthians 8:9 – Grace

I thought we’d take a little diversion from our genealogies in 1 Chronicles to focus on the coming of Jesus. We are in the season of Advent for a few more days, and then it will be Christmas once again. We’ll look at some Bible passages, including prophecies that speak of Jesus.

Advent is the time of year some churches dedicate for preparing for Jesus’ coming–both of them! The Bible tells us about Jesus’ first coming as a wee baby, so humble and mild. Jesus himself also promised that he would come again and return for us. So Advent is not only a preparation for Christmas but a reminder to be ready for Jesus’ return.

Luke 2:1-20 – Our King is Born

Read Luke 2:1-20

The Savior - yes, the Messiah, the Lord--has been born today with a manger and straw

I hope you didn’t rush through this text today. Because it’s a familiar text, we can sometimes go into “auto pilot” mode when reading. It’s a story that never gets old, even when you hear it several times the same day. What spoke to you from this birth announcement as you read it this time?

There is so much packed into these few verses. God stripped himself of the majesty of heaven and came to earth as a helpless babe! There was no palace waiting for our king. Only a manger bed. That silent night was all orchestrated by God, which makes it even more precious.