I was reading an email from a well-known business coach recently, and she was talking about narrowing our focus to dig deeper, rather than wider. (In my former career as a math teacher, we talked about the topics we taught as being a “mile wide and only an inch deep.”) In context, both of those things […]
II Corinthians 5:17 speaks to the redemptive power of Christ, offering a fresh start and the opportunity for believers to live in alignment with God’s purposes..
Jesus Presented in the Temple Luke 2:22-39 narrates the presentation of Jesus at the temple in Jerusalem, marking the fulfillment of Jewish customs and laws. Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus to the temple forty days after His birth for the ritual purification of Mary and the consecration of the firstborn son. While at
King Herod’s Orders Matthew 2:13-18 narrates the perilous events following the Magi’s visit, as Joseph is warned in a dream by an angel to flee to Egypt with Mary and the infant Jesus. The urgency of their departure arises from King Herod’s deceitful intentions to eliminate the potential threat posed by the newborn King of
The Visit of the Magi Matthew 2:1-12 recounts the visit of the Magi, or Wise Men, to Bethlehem following the appearance of a star that signified the birth of the King of the Jews. These learned men from the East traveled to Jerusalem to inquire about the newborn king, causing King Herod and the city
The birth of Jesus Luke 2:1-21 unfolds the narrative of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophetic promise of the Messiah’s arrival. The passage begins with the backdrop of a Roman census decree issued by Caesar Augustus, which leads Joseph and a pregnant Mary to Bethlehem. Unable to find lodging in the
Faith in God’s Extraordinary Plan Matthew 1:18-25 recounts the pivotal moment in the Christmas narrative when Joseph, the betrothed of Mary, discovers her pregnancy. Initially troubled and uncertain about the situation, Joseph plans to quietly divorce Mary to spare her public shame. However, an angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream, revealing
Preparing for Christ Part 5 [Matthew 1: 18 – 25] Read More »
His name is John Luke 1:57-80 recounts the miraculous birth of John the Baptist and the subsequent prophetic song of praise uttered by his father, Zechariah. Elizabeth, in her old age, gives birth to a son, and the community rejoices at the Lord’s mercy. On the eighth day, during the circumcision ceremony, the family and
Elizabeth’s encounter with Mary Luke 1:39-56 narrates the moving encounter between Mary and her relative Elizabeth, who, in her old age, is miraculously pregnant with John the Baptist. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth recognizes the significance of Mary’s visit and the child she carries. The unborn John leaps in Elizabeth’s womb in response to
A Visit from Gabriel Luke 1:26-38 recounts the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary, a young virgin engaged to Joseph. Gabriel brings a divine message, informing Mary that she has found favor with God and will conceive a son by the Holy Spirit. This child, named Jesus, is foretold to be the Son of the Most