Take Sides with the Poor
Read: Luke 4:16-21 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. (v. 18) As Jesus began his ministry, he visited the synagogue in his hometown of Nazareth. The passage of the day was from Isaiah 6:1-2, with themes that Mary echoed as she praised […]
Go Caroling
Read: Psalm 95:1-7 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! (v. 1) I have lovely memories of my wife and me bundling up our young children, joining friends from church, and strolling around the neighborhood singing Christmas carols. Homeowners would look out their […]
Treasure Up All These Things
Read: Luke 2:41-52 And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. (v. 51) “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress” (v. 48). Believe me, that’s a lot more polite than I would have been if my adolescent child had left me […]
Support Others
Read: Matthew 1:18-25 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (v. 23) The giant sequoia tree is one of the largest tree species in the world, often reaching almost 300 feet tall. However, their roots run very shallow. Sequoias grow in groves, […]
Be Still
Read: Psalm 46 Be still, and know that I am God. (v. 10) When I asked one of my Bible study friends what he most wanted for Christmas, he gave a wistful sigh and said: “Some stillness and silence would be nice.” How about you? Our Bible reading today suggests that God wants that for us […]
Name Your Favorite Christmas Smells
Read: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. (v. 15) What does Jesus smell like? I remember a public meeting where citizens were invited to voice their opinion on a certain proposal to be voted on by the town […]
Receive God’s Good Gift
Read: Romans 6:20-23 The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (v. 23) My adolescent granddaughter has a habit I’ve come to admire. I’ve observed this behavior in her many times, and every time I see it, I’m more impressed. When someone gives her a compliment or some small gift, she […]
Be Thankful for Someone
Read: Ephesians 1:15-23 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. (v. 16) Over the years I’ve tried to cultivate the habit of starting each day by thinking of someone to be thankful for. I’ll be brushing my teeth, or shaving, and I’ll think: Who should I be thankful for […]
Be Willing to Cooperate
Read: Luke 1:26-38 Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word. (v. 38) Imagine God tapped you on the shoulder and said, “Excuse me, but I have work to do in this world, and I could use a little help. Would you give me a hand?” It […]