Scripture: Luke 2:5 He (Joseph) went to be enrolled together with Mary, who was promised to him in marriage and who was pregnant. Thought for the Day: It is Christmas Eve and the holy family is on a long dusty journey to Bethlehem, birth and bliss. Too often we depict this journey as sanctified and pure, pleasurable and serene. However they were traveling – walking or riding or
Scripture: Luke 2:4 Since Joseph belonged to David’s house and family line, he went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to David’s city, called Bethlehem, in Judea. Thought for the Day: Bethlehem literally means House of Bread. We think of bread as something very basic. Bread is common, and often viewed as a delivery device for sliced meat or a burger. In the days of Jesus,
Scripture: Luke 2:2-3 This first enrollment occurred when Quirinius governed Syria. Everyone went to their own cities to be enrolled. Thought for the Day: Like yesterday, the stage continues to be set for the drama that is about to happen on this holy setting. It is interesting to go to a play and to see the backdrop, props and lighting that are used. I have, though, attended a
Scripture: Luke 2:1 In those days Caesar Augustus declared that everyone throughout the empire should be enrolled in the tax lists. Thought for the Day: Over the next five days, I plan to have us look at the first seven verses of Luke 2 – the basic Christmas Story. This opening verse sets the stage for the drama. It begins with Caesar Augustus making a degree. The word
Scripture: Luke 1:78-79 Because of our God’s deep compassion, the dawn from heaven will break upon us, to give light to those who are sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide us on the path of peace. Thought for the Day: Yesterday, I spoke about John the Baptist’s mission as revealed in his father’s (Zechariah’s) prophecy. In this prophetic song, Zechariah goes on to
Scripture: Luke 1:77 You will tell his people how to be saved through the forgiveness of their sins. Thought for the Day: In Zechariah’s prophecy (after the birth of his son, John), he puts forth John’s mission and purpose – all contained within this single verse. Two word stand out: saved and forgiveness. It is interesting how both of them have rich meanings – both describing liberation and
Scripture: Luke 1:66 All who heard about this considered it carefully. They said, “What then will this child be?” Indeed, the Lord’s power was with him.” Thought for the Day: These words are referring to the one who will grow-up to be John the Baptist. In the above Common English Translation of the scriptures, it says, “…the Lord’s power…” but many other translations say, “…the hand of the
Scripture: Matthew 1:21 “She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Thought for the Day: Joseph had an encounter with an angel, and in that experience he was told what to name the child that Mary carried. The name Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua which means: ‘Yahweh is salvation’. A
Scripture: 1 John 4:7 Dear friends, let’s love each other, because love is from God, and everyone who loves is born from God and knows God. Thought for the Day: I have used this verse in many weddings as a reminder that God commands us to love each other, though 1st John is not speaking exclusively of the love found in marriage. We are commanded to love, and
Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word. Be ready to do it whether it is convenient or inconvenient. Correct, confront, and encourage with patience and instruction. Thought for the Day: Looking at the date, I realize we are just a little over two weeks left in 2016. I’m not ready for 2017. Oh sure, there are a few things I will be glad to leave behind, but I