Everywhere we go at the moment we see the celebration beginning, but what is it that we celebrate at this time of the year?

Let's explore the good news according to the gospel writer Matthew. For him, the good news of Christmas is all about the arrival of God's promised King.

In 1 Chronicles 29, we see how God involves us in his Kingdom purposes.

As we see the devotion of Israel in the days when the Temple was built, we are pointed to the confidence and commitment we can have in God;s Kingdom today. 

Chapter 17 describes the covenant made with David as God promises to build a kingdom which will last forever. Such grace leads to a response of prayer and praise for God's undeserved kindness to his people.

Hurts in life are many, which can cause us to question God's sovereignty and loving kindness. Psalm 22 not only apparently invites these questions, but helps us process our hurts, and to move through these life's difficulties as we see love, sacrifice, and redemption in God's Son.

Psalm 51 is a song of David where he confesses his horrible sin against Bathsheba, Uriah, and the whole nation of Israel, and through his confession and genuine repentance finds his freedom and joy restored. What extraordinary grace we experience from God as our sin is forgiven through the blood of Jesus.

Psalms 1 and 2 introduce us  to the entire Psalter. These Psalms together reveals to us that the only blessed life is discovered by finding refuge in the Blessed One, God's Messiah,: Jesus Christ.

Psalm 13 is a lament that helps us to cry out to God in the difficulties of life. Such Psalms are a grace to us as they give us words to express our deepest emotions in the context of faith and the safety of God's love.

Psalm 46 points us to where we should look to for strength.

Psalm 49 provides God's wisdom as it reveals to us a hope for the future that even death cannot take away. Though the world would call us to seek joy in earthly treasures, the wisdom that is from God urges us to weigh these things in light of eternity and to take hold of the treasures that will never perish, spoil, or fade.

Chapter 16 in 1 Chronicles describes the event of the Ark of the Covenant arriving in Jerusalem. This is a picture of God choosing to dwell with his people - such grace leads to an outpouring of praise for who God is and what he has done