The birth of Jesus drew some unexpected guests from a faraway land, Magi or magicians, from the East. These wise men are not Jewish in ethnicity, they were Gentiles. In Matthew’s rendition of Jesus’ birth narrative, he wants you to know that Jesus is for everyone. And everyone can learn from the Magi how to honor and worship Jesus, the better gift.
The Better Gift: Paul’s Life Verse
In my living room there is a piece of scripture art that a friend made for me. It reads, “And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again” (2 Corinthians 5:15). It’s my life verse. It reminds me that I no longer live for myself but for Jesus who died and defeated death for all.
Continue reading “The Better Gift: Paul’s Life Verse”Welcome Home
What do you think of when you hear,“Merry Christmas”?
The early years of Jesus’ life do not appear to be merry and bright. His family’s story is met with darkness, it was a brutal time. Continue reading “Welcome Home”
Five Reasons a Christmas Eve Service Reaches the Unchurched
Post copied from ThomRainer.com
It is likely the single day of the year more unchurched decide to visit a church.
It is an incredible opportunity for most congregations.
While Easter is the day most churchgoers decide to show up at the same time, Christmas Eve is indeed prime time for the unchurched. Why is that? Here are five key reasons: Continue reading “Five Reasons a Christmas Eve Service Reaches the Unchurched”
Unexpected Belief
Mary accepted the angelic message that she would give birth to a son conceived by the Holy Spirit. She did not choose this pregnancy but she accepted it. Her husband Joseph does not believe her story (do you blame him?). He wants to be faithful to the law and show compassion to his wife by divorcing her privately. He may have chosen Mary to be his wife but he did not choose this pregnancy. Yet, like Mary, Joseph accepted Jesus as his son despite this unexpected event.
An Unlikely List
We all have an interest in where we came from. We are also interested in other people’s stories. We ask each other, “Where did you grow up?” and “Who are your parents?” Yet, sometimes we may withhold some details in our family tree or the events surrounding a loved one’s conception and birth. Not Matthew. In the opening of his gospel, he stuns the world with an unlikely list of names found in Jesus’ family tree. There is no pattern of righteous, just a list of everyday people. Matthew wants us to see what kind of people God chooses to work with. I am surprised and yet I’m not.
God is Closer Than You Think
Jesus is found in the unlikeliest of places.
Against what you may have been told Mary and Joseph likely stayed beneath someone’s home, because there were no guest rooms in Bethlehem. In their day, this is where people kept their animals. Not in a stable but a dark damp cave.