Although we would expect the death of King Saul to bring relief and joy to David, it instead brings grief and lament which is actually a Godly response and shows that David, once again, is a man after God's own heart.

We approach this often misunderstood event in the Christmas story by looking at three topics related to the Wisemen's journey: their decision to go; a dangerous detour; and a different way home.

There is a sense of anticipation for Simeon and Anna as they beheld the infant Christ on his day of dedication in the temple because he was the fulfillment of God's promise both to the world and to them.

This sermon considers the Gospel account of the Annunciation and the Magnificat. Luke’s account presents God’s Word to Mary and her response. God’s Word and God’s call has come to each one of us, just as it came to Mary. Each one of us must respond, just as Mary did. She shows us how to respond: we surrender to God’s calling and we glorify him and rejoice in him.

As a priest in the temple; the father of John the Baptist; the husband of Elizabeth, a relative of Mary; and, like Mary, also a recipient of a visit by the angel Gabriel; Zechariah was given a very unique perspective on the coming of the Messiah.

The closing of this letter is no more a light desert than the opening is simply an appetizer; it ties together the theme of the letter and would have been written with Paul's own hand.

Paul knows that he is leaving the Thessalonians in a situation where there is conflict and persecution and he wants to show them how to have peace amidst such stormy circumstances.

Here the apostle Paul reminds the Thessalonians of the return of Christ and the coming judgment; giving them a word of warning, of comfort, and command.

Paul speaks to the Thessalonians about death so that rather than grieving about it they will be encouraged about their future and encourage others with what he tells them.