Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

C.S. Lewis famously wrote that Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord, but what he cannot be is simply a good man. In the same way, our response to the claim of the Lordship of Jesus will either be indifference (like the people of Jerusalem), hostility (like Herod), or worship (like the wise men). If Jesus is the Son of God who came to us at Christmas in order to save us from the tyranny of sin and death, the only fitting response is worship.

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

The wise men coming to Jesus is an often misunderstood story, at least in the details. Yet the main point remains clear, they come to worship and rejoice over Jesus as a King and Christmas is the invitation for us to do the same.

Scripture: Luke 2:21-35

After surveying Simeon's encounter with Mary, Joseph and Jesus in the temple, we learn why Jesus's birth under the law is crucial to our identity as adopted children of God. Second, we uncover applications for our growth in discipleship and church worship that derive from Simeon's character and his deep reliance on the Holy Spirit. Finally, we explain key concepts of Simeon's prophecies that cast Jesus as the light for revelation to the Gentiles, the glory of Israel and the child who is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel.

Scripture: Luke 2:21-33

In a world inundated with chaos it is hard to find the peace the season of Christmas points to. We read of biblical peace and long to have that in our lives, but often mistaken this peace for a removal of the current difficulties. Luke 2 points us towards a deeper more stable peace that remains despite our circumstances.

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

You would expect the birth of a King to be surrounded by fanfare, pomp and circumstance, and a whole lot of luxury and wealth. Instead, we find the King of kings born in a backwater town, placed in an animal feeding trough, and the first to hear the news about this incredible King were socially ostracized shepherds. What do these classic elements of the nativity story actually mean for us this Christmas?

Sometimes we have a tendency to overlook the "insignificant" things in this world. Yet when Jesus Christ was born, God used what people may have considered insignificant to point to that which is most significant. In this classic Christmas text, the shepherds teach us some powerful truths as to how we should respond to the birth of Jesus, the Savior.

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Sometimes what we think is insignificant actually has great significance. Our first Advent passage of 2021 shows us that what we often take for granted, or give little consideration to, has the ability to change our lives and is worthy to be proclaimed, pondered and treasured.

Scripture: Acts 16:11-40

Most of us want to be the hero of the story and we naturally look for heroes to imitate. However, when it comes to the Bible, we aren't the hero and even as we watch Paul planting a brand new church, Paul isn't the hero. God is the hero of the story and we are called to trust his timing, wait for his rescue and seek his glory!

Scripture: Acts 16:11-40

Through Paul and Silas's ministry to the people of Philippi, we can see that every Gospel encounter invites its hearer to respond. No matter the circumstance, these encounters can be useful for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.

Scripture: Acts 16:11-40

Acts 16 may well be the most vivid text in the whole Bible portraying that Jesus saves the most diverse people through the power of the gospel and makes them family.