I'm catching up on posting my sermons! Today's comes from Luke 1:5-25, the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. What a blessing it must have been for the two of them to be used by God as part of his saving plan for the world! But please notice something: God's blessings sometimes hurt. And when they do, it isn't a sign that God is punishing you or is angry with you.

What do we do when God's blessings hurt?

I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.

Merry Christmas! It's Day 23, the final day, of my series of Advent-themed podcasts. Scripture is Luke 2:13-14.

The featured song is Brian Wilson's Love and Mercy, from his 1988 self-titled solo album.

I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.

This is Day 22 of my Advent-themed series of podcasts. In this episode, I reflect on the Star of Bethlehem, and what this says about God's passion for reaching the lost. Do we share this passion? Today's scripture is Matthew 2:1-12.

The featured song is Jon Anderson's version of "O Holy Night," from his 1985 Christmas album 3 Ships.

I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.

This is Day 21 of my series of Advent-themed podcasts. In this episode, I tease out the meaning of the angels' words to the shepherds in Luke 2:13-14.

The featured song is the Vince Guaraldi Trio's rearrangement of "The Little Drummer Boy," called "My Little Drum." It comes from the 1965 soundtrack LP A Charlie Brown Christmas.

I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.

This is Day 20 of my Advent-themed podcast series. Today I talk about the movie It's a Wonderful Life and Mary's words to Elizabeth, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."

Featured music includes Brian Wilson's song "Wonderful," from Brian Wilson Presents Smile, from 2004.

This is Day 19 of my Advent-themed series of podcast devotionals. In today's podcast, I talk about the symbolic significance of the winter solstice—which is today—along with growing up in the '80s. Our scripture is John 1:1-5.

The featured song is Jethro Tull's joyous "Ring Out, Solstice Bells" from their 1977 album, Songs from the Wood.

If you prayed the prayer that I prayed at the end of the podcast, please let me know, if possible. Click here to go to my email address.

I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.

This is Day 18 of my Advent-themed series of podcasts. I'll be podcasting a short devotional each day between now and Christmas. Today's scripture is Matthew 1:21.

Today's featured song is the Vince Guaraldi Trio's version of "What Child Is This?" from A Charlie Brown Christmas.

I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.

This is Day 17 of my Advent-themed podcast. I'll be podcasting a short devotional each day between now and Christmas. Today's scripture comes from Luke 1:51-53.

The featured song is Steeleye Span's version of "Gaudete," a 15th- or 16th-century Christmas carol—in Latin, no less. Believe it or not, the band had a Top 15 hit in Britain with this song in 1972. It comes from their album Below the Salt.

I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.

This is Day 16 of my Advent-themed podcast. I'll be podcasting a short devotional each day between now and Christmas. Today's scripture comes from Luke 1:46-49.

The featured song is Big Star's "Jesus Christ," an update of "Angels from the Realms of Glory." It comes from the band's 1974 album (unreleased until 1978), Third.

I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.

This is Day 15 of my Advent-themed podcast series. I'll be podcasting a short devotional each day between now and Christmas. Today's scripture comes from Matthew 2:1-2, 7-10.

The featured song is the Beach Boys' version of "We Three Kings," from their 1964 LP The Beach Boys' Christmas Album. As you can hear, I'm taking this directly from glorious vinyl.

I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.