“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” The angels’ message wasn’t just a song—it was a proclamation that Jesus came to bring peace between God and man. The peace those angels announced is more than the absence of war. It’s not the elimination of…
Every year, Christmas rolls around with its usual fanfare: twinkling lights, jingle bells, peppermint mochas, and of course, the annual question of what exactly is Aunt Edna allergic to again? While these traditions are great, they can sometimes overshadow the deeper meaning of Christmas. So let’s strip away the tinsel, and get to the heart…
Christmas can often times feel anything but peaceful. Between crowded stores, tangled lights, and family squabbles, “peace on earth” might sound like wishful thinking. But Isaiah reminds us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He ushers in a peace that allows the crowds, lights, and squabbles to have a different kind of hit. Jesus didn’t…
We know what Christmas looks like on earth. Trees and lights and songs and wreaths but what about from heaven’s perspective? Revelation 12 gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Christmas. While Mary gave birth in a humble stable, heaven was celebrating the arrival of the Child who would defeat evil forever. It’s like a cosmic…
Joy in suffering? At first, it sounds as out of place as a snowstorm in July. But Paul shows us that even in hardship, joy is possible because suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope. The Christmas story isn’t free from struggle. Mary and Joseph faced rejection and uncertainty, yet their journey brought them to the…
The angel’s announcement to the shepherds wasn’t just good news—it was great joy for all people! Imagine being one of those shepherds, sitting in the dark fields when the sky explodes with light and music. That kind of joy isn’t quiet; it’s the kind that makes you jump up, shout, and run to Bethlehem. Christmas is a reminder…
My mind works in some pretty weird ways – I’ll admit that one. Like this for example. Picture getting to heaven and standing at those proverbial pearly gates. But instead of the smiling face of Jesus or the skeptical face of Thomas, you are greeted by the stern face of a 350lb man with an…
If Isaiah were alive today, he might’ve written a Christmas carol about God’s salvation. His words burst with joy: “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.” It’s the kind of joy that makes you want to sing at the top of your lungs—even if you can’t carry a tune in…
Imagine a group of travelers going hundreds of miles with a treasure chest in tow, guided by nothing more than a star. When they finally found Jesus, their first reaction wasn’t relief or exhaustion—it was joy! They “rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” The Wisemen remind us that joy comes from seeking (and finding) Jesus. They didn’t…
Have you ever tried to measure the love in that perfect Christmas gift? A handmade scarf shows thoughtfulness. A heartfelt card brings tears. But God’s love? That one is immeasurable. Paul prays that we’d grasp the width, length, height, and depth of Christ’s love—a love so vast it can’t fit under the tree. It’s a…
