The Word Became Flesh

"How many kings, stepped down from their thrones?

How many lords have abandoned their homes?

How many greats have become the least for me?

How many Gods have poured out their hearts

To romance a world that has torn all apart?

How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Only one did that for me"
~"How Many Kings" by Downhere

Were They Ready for the Unexpected?

As we near the celebration of Christ’s birth our journey through the Christmas story continues, the next characters that come to mind are the good citizens of Bethlehem and the shepherds living out in the fields nearby.  Were they ready for the strike of fame that was about to descend on their small town?  Did they recognize the Christ child for who He is—the promised Messiah? And what were the thoughts of the shepherds as they witnessed the angelic chorus?

The Unrecognized "Royal" Couple

In our culture dominated by media and popular opinion, celebrities and royalty are lifted up and idolized.  I remember a few years ago when every magazine was covering the wedding of William and Kate—the royal couple of England.  Our world is obsessed with individuals and couples of fame and fortune, super stars and royals; however, there was one royal couple that the world completely missed.  They were not pictured on the front page of The Bethlehem Times nor interviewed on national news; they were not welcomed with a parade or put up in a five star hotel; instead, they were turned out of the only inn available and sent to live in a dirty, cold, smelly, stable.  They were royal not by right of birth nor surge of fame and popularity, but because of whom they raised—the King of kings.

Can you guess the couple I am referring to?

Blessed Among Women

How apt were these words of Elizabeth!  Mary, indeed, was blessed.  She was chosen to be the mother of Israel’s promised Messiah!  While just a humble peasant girl with no formal education, Mary was asked to do the impossible—carry and deliver the Son of God while yet a virgin—and as we saw last week, she did not question the Lord’s calling but obeyed and was honored to be called “mother” by the Creator of the world.  So yes, blessed is she who believed the word of the Lord!

Love Came Down

Creator became part of His creation.
          Eternal one stepped into time.
                  God became man.
                            Immanuel, God with us.

The gravity of sacrifice displayed in the incarnation is beyond our finite comprehension.  It’s like ants trying to follow computer coding; it’s impossible.  However, for us to truly understand the significance and meaning of Christmas, we must ponder and try to grasp what God did so many years ago.

The Story Begins

In the land of ancient Israel, after four hundred years of silence, God re-enters history in a big way.  He sent an angel to visit two people, a man serving in the Holy of Holies and a teenage girl in Nazareth.  Who was this man and girl, and of what importance do they have in the story of Christmas?

The Fullness of Time Has Come

As we enter into this season of Advent, the awe-inspiring realization that the Creator God lowered Himself and became a part of His creation through the person of Jesus Christ washes over me anew. But do we truly comprehend the significance of this historical event?

Bring Christmas to Children Around the World

Over the past week and a half, we have been studying God’s heart for the fatherless, and how we, His children, can provide care and love in Jesus’ name.  Now as the Christmas season approaches, one great way to give a little something to a child in need is through Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse.  While the receivers of these festively wrapped shoe boxes are not necessarily orphans, they are children in poverty with many needs.  So showing them the love of Christ and giving them possibly their very first Christmas gift ever, opens the door of their hearts to the gospel.