The true meaning of Christmas is found in Scripture, and there in the book of Isaiah it tells us that this Son that is given to us comes to us amidst the darkness and distress in which the world lives.

When the angel of the Lord announced to the shepherds the birth of Christ, their circumstances, closeness to the event and the change it brought about gave them a special perspective on this first Christmas.

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.

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 dessert 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.