Have you ever been afraid? I mean really afraid. According to the Chapman Survey, the top 10 fears we face are: (1) public speaking, (2) heights, (3) bugs and snakes, (4) needles, (5) claustrophobia, (5) flying, (6) strangers, (7) zombies, (8) darkness, (9) clowns, (10) ghosts. I think there are more subtle fears than the top 10 that alter our … Read More
When I read Lukeâs account of the Christmas story, Iâm struck by the difficulties of Maryâs final trimester and, at the same time, the absence of a complaining spirit. Consider these facts: Jesus was born at a time of significant political unrest in the region; the Roman government made harsh demands on its constituents. Mary and Joseph had to travel … Read More
The Christmas story gets started in Matthew’s Gospel. Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spiritâ (Matt. 2:18). It must have come as quite a surprise for Joseph to discover his fiancĂ© was pregnant … Read More
If you get pulled into any trivia games over the Christmas holidays, here are some little-known facts about The 12 Days of Christmas that may win you some points: The carol is over 200 years old. The lyrics first appeared in a childrenâs book dating back to 1780 The music was added in 1909 by English composer Frederic Austin If … Read More
A friend of mine challenged me with a great question. He asked, âIf Christmas is Jesusâ birthday why is it we spend all our time hunting for gifts to give to others?â He paused and added thoughtfully, âIt would be a little like your friends insisting they help you celebrate your birthday, and then they bring a bunch of gifts … Read More
Mary fought back the fear rising in her chest. She could feel the muscles in her back tightening uncontrollably. Frightened, she tried to recite the verses she had learned as a child. The contraction subsided, and she rested. There was cause for the fear she felt. Having never known a man, she was about to give birth to a son. … Read More
This morning children of every age will awaken with this thought: The waiting is over. For days now they have been staring at the packages under the tree, and waiting. Perhaps some have even succumbed to their own curiosity, and haven’t waited. Are you among those who have a Christmas secret in your past? You looked to the left, then to the right, … Read More
You ever wonder if the angels might have been just a little confused about the Christmas events? Think about the message they were told to proclaim. Perhaps you remember hearing the message spoken by 8 year olds dressed in white with garland halos from Christmasesâpast. Here’s the angelic proclamation: Do not be afraid, for behold I bring you good tidings … Read More
The motherâs scream ripped through the darkness. She bit her lip, her body tense, her mind focused. The pain for this first-time mother was beyond anything she had anticipated. She tried to recite the verses she had learned as a child. âMy heart rejoices in the Lord! The Lord has made me strongâŠThere is no Rock like our God.â 1 … Read More
Traveling isnât recommended when youâre nine months pregnant. The airlines wonât take you. Your doctors will discourage it, and who would want to be that far away from medical care when your first contraction could be less than a minute away? Yet, there Mary was traveling 85 miles side-saddle on the back of a donkey, when her due date could … Read More
