One of my earliest childhood memories of Christmas was the nativity displays. The cardboard-punch-outs, the fragile ceramic figures, the hobbit-sized yard displays fueled my creativity as a child. Prior to i Pads and x boxes, I imagined what the Christmas characters thought. From the unspeakable joy of the shepherds to the camel-sore wise men, these figures represented real people in … Read More
When we see the apparent helplessness of the baby in the manger, itâs hard to imagine what he left behind to make his journey to his Bethlehem birthplace. There is a hint, however, in the titles with which the angels introduce him. The angels said, For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who … Read More
When the angel brought the good news to the shepherds of Jesusâ birth, he introduced Jesus with three titles. So often we’re drawn to the âbaby in the mangerâ part, that we miss the designations. The angel said, For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will … Read More
From time to time, when I wake up in the morning, I find myself wondering what tragedy the news will be reporting on this day. Lately, that has happened more often than not. It is hard to trust our leadersâboth nationally and internationally. Headlines of war and violence stream through our newsfeed. Itâs easy to let the weight of the … Read More
While it is unlikely that the wise men visited Jesus at the manger scene, their appearance is typically associated with his birth. The text only tells us that they came from the East. Many Bible students connect these magi with Daniel, the prophet, who resided in Babylon some 400 years earlier. This would mean their journey to see Jesus could … Read More
Perhaps your Christmastime is full of family traditions. Over the years our family has developed our share. Decorating starts the day after Thanksgiving. Then comes the annual trip to Longwood Gardens for their light show. We sing Christmas carols for some local nursing home residents and widows. We open the gifts in the stocking on Christmas Eve. We watch a … Read More
Christmas time for children is a time of waiting. It forces them to practice, painfully at times, delayed gratification. The gifts are purchased, wrapped, and under the tree. Then they wait, and wait, and wait. We all know stories of kids (or spouses) who couldnât wait, snuck a peak, rewrapped the gift and pretended to be surprised on Christmas Day. … Read More
The shepherds were the first visitors to the manger scene. They were filled with such joy and wonder that they naturally became the first evangelists as well. The angels told the shepherds where to find Jesus; the shepherds checked it out for themselves and determined to tell others. In the text, notice the focus on the word âknown.â When the … Read More
Did you ever wonder if God made decisions that his angel-messengers didnât understand? Like the decision to send his only son as a gift to humanity when the best accommodations that mankind would provide would be a feeding trough for animals? Yet immediately after detailing his birthplace to the shepherds, the angels erupt in praise to God. And suddenly there … Read More
There are over 100 leaders in history who added to their name two words: the great. Here are a few you might recognize: Alexander the Great from Macedonia. Catherine the Great, the Russian Empress Constantine the Great over the Roman Empire Cyrus the Great the Persian King Genghis the Great Kahn. Herod the Great from Jesusâ time Yet, none of … Read More
