Luke tells us the angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds outside of Bethlehem to herald the news that the Messiah was born. The angel was joined by a choir of the heavenly host...

While Matthew and Luke give us the details of Jesus' birth, centuries earlier the OT prophets were giving us hints of the Messiah's coming.

Showing our thankfulness to God in prayer, praise, and worship is such an awesome privilege. And it's also good for us to express our gratitude for one another.

God demonstrates His steadfast love and faithfulness throughout the Scriptures in countless ways. He has shown the same to each of us over and over again, in big ways and small.

God has a reputation for taking small things and doing enormously big things with them. Examples include David with a small smooth stone and sling, and an unknown boy's five small loaves and two fish; a little mudpie eyepatch made from dirt and spit.

God's mercy has brought us new birth, eternal hope, and the secure promise of heavenly bliss with Christ our Lord. But meanwhile, as we relish all these present and future blessings, trials are inevitable.

God's discipline is rendered in love, is for our good, and will produce the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Hopefully our Lord's discipline will bring us to a place of repentance and brokenness before Him.

When was the last time you went through a bunch of troubles and trials and tribulations and broke into your happy dance? Take joy in this: God is in control. God is good. And God loves you.