#christmas devotion

On Second Thought Christmas draws us into holy anticipation, teaching the Church how to wait, how to remember, and how to hope with intention. Even on December 25, when waiting gives way to celebration, Christmas’ deeper purpose remains—to help us grasp what it truly means that “His name shall be called Emmanuel” (Matt. 1:23), “God with us.” The familiar titles we cherish at Christmas—“The Prince…

As the Day Begins Scripture: Matthew 2:11 “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” The familiar scene of the Magi kneeling before the Christ child is often remembered for its beauty, mystery, and generosity. Yet Matthew’s Gospel quietly…

Ready or Not: Embracing the Good News of Christ’s Coming by Sally I. Kennedy I bring you good news! – Luke 2:1 Sounds like hide ‘n seek, doesn’t it? While you were still dashing to find a great hiding spot, the person who was “it” finished counting, and you heard, “Coming! Ready or not!” I’m not ready for Christmas. But it’s coming….ready or not. Decorations have been up everywhere for weeks. The…

Isaiah 7:14Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Let us today go down to Bethlehem, and in company with wondering shepherds and adoring Magi let us see Him who was born King of the Jews, for we by faith can claim an interest in Him and can sing, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.” Jesus is…

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).  Matthew 1:22-23 Let us consider everything God did in order to fulfill the promise of the virgin birth of His Son Jesus Christ, Immanuel.  First, God revealed His plans to some of His trusted children who…

The Question All Want to Know: Was Jesus The One?

2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to…