"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14, ESV) This month, we will find insight and wisdom in God's word as we have fun exploring Christmas celebrations. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we will follow themes from Charles Dickens' classic work, "A Christmas Carol." As the Ghost of Christmases Past visits Scrooge, we are introduced to an entirely new side of the man. Young Ebenezer was, at times, truly lonely. Then, as a young adult, he was fun and filled with gratitude for the kindness shown him. But we also see Scrooge's decline into his love of money and see some of the heartbreaking costs that changed his life. When you look back on Christmas celebrations of years past, you might see similar images from the different phases of your life. But those moments -- good and bad -- are an essential part of who you are today. But what about that time before the birth of the Christchild in Bethlehem? What are the moments that shaped that precious time in history? This lesson looks back to a time when the people of God were fearful and filled with dread. Even their King, Ahaz, panicked and went into hiding. But the Prophet Isaiah was sent to the King with a word of encouragement. King Ahaz would not listen. He could not (or would not) receive a word of grace, even when that word came from God himself. What about you? As you look back across your life, including Christmases past, can you hear the promises of God? Will you receive a gift of kindness, a gift of Grace from God? "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14, ESV)

This month, we will find insight and wisdom in God's word as we have fun exploring Christmas celebrations. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we will follow themes from Charles Dickens' classic work, "A Christmas Carol." We begin with introductions to Ebenezer Scrooge and Marley's Ghost. Marley, Scrooge's long-deceased business partner, is one of four characters with important messages for Scrooge. But Scrooge is unwilling to listen and unable to hear. Jesus, speaking to Pharisees, told a similar story of a wealthy man who, in death, found himself in torment. The man asked that someone be sent from the dead to warn his brothers. Speaking through Father Abraham, Jesus warns the Pharisees (and us), "If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead." (Luke 16:31) Consider this: Who are the messengers that God has sent (or is sending) to you? For whom are you a messenger of God's grace? Are you sending faithful messages?

"Come to Bethel, and transgress; to Gilgal, and multiply transgression; bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three days...." (Amos 4:4, ESV)

The (Not So Famous) Book of Amos is a relentless call to relationship, repentance, and righteousness. This five-part series will delve deeply into The Book of Amos, a valuable and historically significant text. You will be challenged to examine your life of faith, and to renew your relationship with the Living God.

"Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?" (Amos 3:3, ESV)

The (Not So Famous) Book of Amos is a relentless call to relationship, repentance, and righteousness. This five-part series will delve deeply into The Book of Amos, a valuable and historically significant text. You will be challenged to examine your life of faith, and to renew your relationship with the Living God.

"Do not be deceived:

God is not mocked,

for whatever one sows,

that will he also reap."

(Galatians 6:7)

"You were called to freedom, brothers.

Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh,

but through love serve one another.

For the whole law is fulfilled in one word:

'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"

(Galatians 5:13-14, ESV)

Very few words have caused more disagreement than the opening stories in the Book of Genesis. As you read through these familiar words, here are a few tips to help you discern the powerful importance of and meaning within the words.

To understand the Bible, you must let the words speak for themselves, without adding to or taking from the powerful message within the text. These steps may help you to do this:

1. First, forget everything you have ever heard or thought about the creation stories. All too often we read between the lines and add unwritten editorial comments.
2. Then focus on the words themselves and work to read with an open mind. This fresh reading of the written words will likely reveal important words and phrases that you have missed in the past.
3. Finally, allow room for mystery, uncertainty, and miracles. Ancient readers of the Holy Writings were more comfortable with the knowledge that there is more to be revealed. By contrast, modern readers often make the mistake of believing that we have all relevant information available to us.

Keep reading through the Bible! Your faithful efforts will result in real and powerful blessings for you and for others around you.

Be blessed, my friend!

The Lifetime Bible Journal is a place to keep your personal notes as you read and study the Bible. This journal will help you to grow in your faith, year after year. For those who teach or preach from the Bible, this tool is essential for a lifetime of effectiveness. The more attention to give to it, the more likely this journal will become one of most important resources for your ability to grow in faith and in wisdom. Here you can follow your curiosity to study people, places, and events. Here you can leave questions unanswered. Perhaps here you can note the answers to these questions, sometimes years after you first contemplated the mysteries of God.

Building your own Lifetime Bible Journal requires little more than paper and a notebook. Over time you may find it useful to use notebooks and dividers as a system to keep and to use this journal. Or perhaps you will keep a drawer filled with file folders. For some, the convenience of keeping a paperless journal will use a tablet and maybe even a notetaking app. Having used all of these at one time or another, my system is a bit of a hybrid. When studying with focus, I use Bibles in the Olive Tree Bible App. Here it is easy to keep two translations open side-by-side. For me, this is ordinarily an English translation (usually the ESV) next to it original language (Hebrew for the Old Testament, Greek for the New Testament). At the same time, I write with pen and paper to maximize the benefits of the mind-hand relationship. There are important benefits to slowing your thought process by using your hand to write. Some can do this using a paperless system with a tablet and a notetaking app. My point is this: Know which system works best for you. And don't be afraid to make changes over time. This is your journal. You are both the author and the audience. Do what works for you.

As mentioned in this podcast episode, here is a list of some of the resources that I use. If you use these links to purchase items at Amazon, I might receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you. When you purchase resources from Olive Tree, I do not receive a commission or any other financial benefit. Having used these resources for more 20 years or more, I recommend them without reservation.

Bible Tabs:

Majestic Rainbow Bible Tabs: https://amzn.to/3ScFHAW

Tabbies Catholic Gold-Edged Bible Indexing Tabs, Old & New Testament Plus Catholic Books, 90 Tabs Including 71 Books & 19 Reference Tabs (58330): https://amzn.to/41SZ7Om

Cardstock (for dividers):

Reskid Blank White Cardstock - Thick Paper - Heavyweight 110 lb Cover Paper 5.5x8.5 inches: https://amzn.to/48LJFWp

Notebook Paper:

Avery Mini Binder Filler Paper for 3 or 7 Ring Binders, College Ruled, 5.5" x 8.5", 100 Sheets (14230) White: https://amzn.to/3RUseMy

Avery Mini 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" Binder Filler Paper , Case Pack of 6 (14230),White: https://amzn.to/4aMt6LU

Notebooks:

1.5" Small Binder 3 Ring 9.5" x 8" Vintage PU Leather Book Style - Fits 8.5" x 5.5" Notebook Paper: https://amzn.to/4aPcbYX

Samsill Vintage Hardback Jr. Book Style 3 Ring Binder, 1 Inch Round Ring, Holds 200 Sheets - Dark Brown: https://amzn.to/48raeQX

Samsill 1 Inch 3 Ring Binder, Leather, Brown with Contrast Stitching: https://amzn.to/41PqZD4

Avery Mini Durable Binder for 5.5 x 8.5 inch Pages, 1 inch Round Ring, Black, (27257) (2 Pack): https://amzn.to/3NY3p17

Tops Cardinal Mini Round Ring Binder, 1-Inch, 8-1/2-Inch x 5-1/2-Inch, Black (07201): https://amzn.to/3HdN5Wi

If your 2024 Goals include studying the Bible, you may be interested in using electronic resources from Olive Tree (www.OliveTree.com). The 15% off coupon code (lifeandfaith15) is valid through February 28, 2024. The coupon code can only be used on OliveTree.com and not in the in-app stores within the app.

The Gospel of Luke is a magnificent telling of the life and work of Jesus. But there is much more to this writing than what meets the eye. There are some elements of this writing that cannot be translated into 21st century American English.

Dr Green will discuss Luke's Gospel and the life-changing resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Dr Green will also compare the three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). Reading these three together will give you insight into the world of the eyewitnesses to the life of Jesus, and their commitment to sharing these events with you.

There is one final important similarity shared by the Synoptic Gospels -- a call to action for all who have faith in God through Jesus Christ. The work is to teach and preach to others. Even in the earliest years of Christianity, followers of Jesus are instructed to live an honest life together with an honest faith.

Merry Christmas!

This special episode is the Christmas Story, as found in the Gospel of Luke (chapter 2).

Resources mentioned in this video (with links to purchase the books):

Read On! A Guide for Reading Through the Bible by David H Green (https://amzn.to/47KxgSC) This link is part of an Affiliate relationship with Amazon. If you use these links to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (at no added cost to you).

Olive Tree Bible App (available at www.OliveTree.com) The app and some of its resources are free. Use coupon code "LifeAndFaith15" for a 15% discount on online purchases. This offer is valid through February 28, 2024. This coupon can be used only on www.OliveTree.com and not for purchases within the app itself.