Scripture: Matthew 2:10-11 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him. Then they opened their treasure chests and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Thought for the Day: The story reaches its culmination when the Magi “presented” their gifts. The word we translate as
Scripture: Matthew 2:7-9 Then Herod secretly called for the magi and found out from them the time when the star had first appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you’ve found him, report to me so that I too may go and honor him.” When they heard the king, they went; and look, the star they had seen in the
Scripture: Luke 2:38 She approached at that very moment and began to praise God and to speak about Jesus to everyone who was looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Thought for the Day: Building on yesterday’s devotional, we find Anna encountering the baby Jesus for the first time. So overwhelmed by this chance meeting, she praised God and went about sharing the news of Jesus. For me,
Scripture: Luke 2:36 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, who belonged to the tribe of Asher. She was very old. After she married, she lived with her husband for seven years. Thought for the Day: It’s interesting how Luke’s Gospel is about inclusion in a time when no one was thinking about inclusion. When Mary and Joseph took Jesus for blessing in Jerusalem,
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! Thought for the Day: This past Sunday, I spoke about the Jesus Resume’. For many of us, we grew-up on Jesus and feel as if we have a pretty good understanding of him. There are days when I would echo that thinking, and then I’ll
Prayer for the Week:Just another date on the calendar –Just another year completed –Just another…As we approach the end of one year and the beginning of another, make us aware of all that deserves our gratitude.O Holy God, there are many events that brought disappointment, even anger or grief or despondency. These events could define us – These events could define our
Scripture: Matthew 2:14-15Joseph got up and, during the night, took the child and his mother to Egypt. He stayed there until Herod died. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: I have called my son out of Egypt. Thought for the Day: The word ‘fulfilled’ is the same basic word as what we find in Luke’s Gospel when it said the time was right for
Scripture: John 10:27My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. Thought for the Day: What does it mean to follow the gift God gave to the world? I have often said that I don’t want folks to simply fall in love with Jesus, but to fall in love with the ways of Jesus. You can always passionately admire someone without ever replicating what it
Scripture: Luke 2:28-32Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God. He said, “Now, master, let your servant go in peace according to your word, because my eyes have seen your salvation. You prepared this salvation in the presence of all peoples. It’s a light for revelation to the Gentiles and a glory for your people Israel.” Thought for the Day: A few days ago, I referenced the
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:27Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. Thought for the Day: We, with emphasis on we, are the Body of Christ. Collectively, we are the physical body of Jesus Christ in the world. In light of what you learned this Advent Season, what should the Body of Christ look like to the world as we approach 2019? I don’t have