December 24 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) I was once driving down an old country road. As the rubber tires crunched through the gravel, I looked over and saw a field of sunflowers looking straight at me with their bright yellow manes. It …
“When they had seen Him . . .”(Luke 2:17, NIV) These words are the precursor to one of the most powerful responses in the Nativity scene. Here is a summarization that led to this episode: Caesar Augustus required a census (Luke 2:1–3). Joseph and Mary providentially ended up in Bethlehem (2:4–5). Jesus was born, wrapped …
“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”Matthew 1:21 NASB When I was 12, I scraped together every cent to purchase a small, discounted, used motorcycle. What a buy! My internal mechanic ripped it apart in order to rebuild it. Following a …
How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked. (Psalm 1:1, NASB) Thus far, my wife and I have survived four teenage drivers. Two have successfully made it into their twenties, and we have two late-teener’s to go. Prayers are still accepted! Having taught all four to drive, I made …
“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29, NIV) There is a Kodak moment with first-time pilgrims in Israel. On the journey north from Tel Aviv to Tiberius, fresh off a long international flight, bleary-eyed tourists press their noses against the bus window for a glimpse of the …
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. (Luke 2:1–2, NKJV) If I close my eyes just right, I can hear my grandfather’s raspy voice read the opening words of Luke chapter …
“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21, NASB) While standing in line at Cracker Barrel, a card stand caught my eye. The sign at the top read: “What Does Your Name Mean?” Curiosity sparked, and I spun the cylinder …
“I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3, NRSV) Although connected contextually, Genesis 12:1–3 has a stark presence in the biblical text. With the growing problems of humanity after the flood, God intervenes …
“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sin” (Matthew 1:21, NASB). While standing in line at Cracker Barrel, a card stand caught my eye. The sign at the top read: “What Does Your Name Mean?” Curiosity sparked, and I spun the cylinder …
