Advent Day 13: Breathless
I thought I might do a little something, this year, that would help me focus on what this season is really about, and maybe it could help you, too. I’m going to take the story of Jesus’s birth, found in Luke 2, and go verse by verse, 1 through 24, to see what happens. Here we go… Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God... ~ Luke 2:13 NIV Think, if you will, about your worst moment. Not when something horrible has happened to you, but when you've done something that makes you feel sick to your stomach at even the slightest recollection. Likely, if you are anything like me, that moment found you desperate for relief, forgiveness,...
Advent Day 12: Signs
I thought I might do a little something, this year, that would help me focus on what this season is really about, and maybe it could help you, too. I’m going to take the story of Jesus’s birth, found in Luke 2, and go verse by verse, 1 through 24, to see what happens. Here we go… This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. ~ Luke 2:12 NIV It occurred to me, as I read this passage all by itself, that the angel's sign was actually in two parts: You will find the baby wrapped in cloths (swaddling cloths in some translations) You will find the baby lying in a manger There is nothing in the Bible that is there for embellishing purposes, or...
Advent Day 11: Promises
I thought I might do a little something, this year, that would help me focus on what this season is really about, and maybe it could help you, too. I’m going to take the story of Jesus’s birth, found in Luke 2, and go verse by verse, 1 through 24, to see what happens. Here we go… Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ~ Luke 2:11 NIV Literally, since the beginning of time, generation after generation was told of the coming Messiah - the Savior, King, and Ruler of Israel and all heaven and earth. From the moment when sin entered the world, in a perfect garden over a shiny apple, God was there, foretelling to a shame-filled Adam and Eve,...
Advent Day 10: Believe
I thought I might do a little something, this year, that would help me focus on what this season is really about, and maybe it could help you, too. I’m going to take the story of Jesus’s birth, found in Luke 2, and go verse by verse, 1 through 24, to see what happens. Here we go… But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ~ Luke 2:10 NIV Can you imagine their relief? Those poor, trembling shepherds, surrounded by sudden, blinding light, realize that they are not about to be harmed, but have been chosen to hear some good news. And not only good news, but good news that will bring great joy to all the people. ALL...
Advent Day 9: Overcome
I thought I might do a little something, this year, that would help me focus on what this season is really about, and maybe it could help you, too. I’m going to take the story of Jesus’s birth, found in Luke 2, and go verse by verse, 1 through 24, to see what happens. Here we go… An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ~ Luke 2:9 NIV Our very first trip to Disney World was when our girls were 6 and almost 9. They were mesmerized by just about everything, and so were we. That first trip is magical, no matter what age you are. We were waiting to see Cinderella in her castle, having been among the very fortunate to...