Paul was particularly sustained by Titus: enjoying his company, entrusting difficult jobs to him, and entreating him to join Paul in times of need.

The Son of Encouragement teaches us how to lift others up.

Epaphroditus was a hard-working soldier: exalting brotherhood, expending himself, and enduring hardship.

The medieval ideal of nobility is one worthy of emulation. It developed from the lives of men like Apollos. He developed in the scriptures, in teachability, in fervency, in carefulness, in courage, and in unity.

We will discuss the great friend Luke and also contrast him with Demas. Luke & Demas were contemporaries & similar in station. Luke stuck with Paul, while Demas surrendered to a stronger attraction to worldliness.

The shepherds, magi, Simeon, and Anna all had their eyes open to see the Lord’s Messiah. Through supernatural revelation, copious research, tedious waiting, and serendipitous meetings these people followed the signs to see Immanuel. These same opportunities are available to us, and if we will just take the opportunity we will find joy that cannot be quenched.

So many people missed out on the first Christmas – Herod; religious leaders; people in and around Jerusalem; the Romans; and the town of Nazareth. Each of these had opportunity to embrace Jesus and chose not to because of jealousy, self-righteousness, busyness, idolatry, and familiarity.

We give because God first gave to us, a biblical observation most especially revealed at Christmas. Because God gave the first and greatest gift, we who are blessed to be conformed to His likeness become givers as well. By looking at Saint Nicholas’ life we gain some insights into how this can be lived out.

Jesus is the ultimate bridge builder, the Christmas gift that makes all things new. He opens the scriptures, salvation, holiness, judgment, and heaven. A manger was an everyday item; but by being born into one, Jesus exposes the reality of prophecy fulfilled. Thus, He opens the Bible for our eyes to see God’s plan.

God’s work in history, His eternal presence, and His future plans are more fully revealed to the thoughtful prophet. Habakkuk finds this reality completely changes his perspective. He still must wait for further pain – and there is no pretense (by him or the Lord) that such is fun. Nonetheless, Habakkuk confidently declares that he will exult and rejoice – because God gives him the joy of restoration and/or God guides him to eliminate his own personal idolatries.