Two years of Covid have given us a new appreciation for this old expression as some work from home in "relaxed" garb while others crave the opportunity to get out and celebrate in their finest. Today a modest Mary and Joseph bring the Child to the temple, and we who know Christ get a glimpse of how we look and live, dressed in Him.

The Word Became Flesh: Glory

God Speaks: Incarnation

December 22, 2021 - Looking at Ephesians 4:14, we see that rather than be blown and buffeted by every wave of teaching, we should stand firm on God's Word.

Jesus left heaven to be with us and to restore us to Himself.

December 15, 2021 - When we hear the story of Christmas, do we react in ho-hum fashion because we’ve heard it before, or are overjoyed liked the shepherds? It’s good to be reverent, but it’s also good to rejoice over the gift that God gives to us.

Being "chosen" can be gratifying in today's world, but it can also be overwhelming. For some, it becomes their source of identity, often for the wrong reasons; for others, it is a source of joy and peace. Today's Scriptures remind us of the latter: we have been chosen in grace by God for His unique plan and purposes. We are His chosen children!

December 8, 2021 - Why did God send His Son to suffer and die for us? Because of His great love! His desire is to bring us into glory, to make us His children through faith, and to free us from the power of death. And His desire is also our reality: He has done it all through Jesus!

“That is the way it is, whether you like it or not!”

Parents say that to complaining children. Scripture says that to all of us. Scripture speaks frankly about the fact that we aren’t good enough to earn anything with God except for death. Yet Scripture also clearly points us to the Savior Jesus who takes away the sin of the world. He makes all those who trust in Him good, holy and righteous through His love and grace. That is the way it is, whether you like it or not.

December 1, 2021 - Normally, we think of water and connect it to themes of nourishment or new life, and while those are both true, I think the case could be made that in Scripture, water is all about deliverance.