And yet in the incarnation, God does something even more marvelous than creating from dust. He creates the second man directly from heaven. Thus Jesus’ form in Mary did not start from the seed of another man, he started from the miraculous work of God Himself.
Read MoreMy comforts today remind me of the humility of God’s Son. When He came, there was no room for them in the inn. He left the glory of heaven to become a man. His first bed was a feeding trough that Joseph and Mary found in the stable. He didn’t come to luxury. He came with a mission to be the sacrifice for our sin.
Read MoreThose angels gave praise to God and announced God’s favor upon those whom His favor rests. In other words, the peace and praise that exists in heaven will be experienced by mankind. No longer will it just be shared with the angels. Those who call Jesus Christ their Savior will also get to experience heavenly peace.
Read MoreIf there is one thing in common between the three birth announcements, I would say it relates to the reception of the message. Zechariah doubted the message, but then believed. Mary humbly accepted the message and composed her song. I think God picked the shepherds because they humbly accepted the Word and left everything behind to then become the messengers of what they had seen and heard (Luke 2:20).
Read MoreMaybe this will be the year that He comes back! When I think about the imminent fulfillment of His promises, it reminds me to stay faithful to serve and to use my resources for Kingdom purposes. I want Him to find me being a reflection of His mercy to others.
Read MoreOne question we don’t need to ask of Mary when we get to heaven is what she thought of herself. It’s clear from her song that she considered herself a servant of God. She also didn’t identify as more holy than others. She identified as a sinner in need of a Savior. In some renditions of the Christmas story, Mary gets exalted. Yet even she would resist those claims. Her situation is just like all of us who were born in a sinful state.
Read MoreYear after years we get to see God do the impossible at camp. He brings kids to camp that need to hear the gospel. He brings volunteers to serve. He keeps our gates open with donations. He hears all the prayers that we lay before Him. Thank you for your continued prayers and support of LBC.
Read MoreIn the advent story, there is this odd experience from Zechariah. The angel, Gabriel, announced to him that his wife, Elizabeth, would give birth to a son and they were to name him John. Zechariah doubted and asked, “How can I be sure of this?” Since he lacked the faith to believe in the moment, Gabriel made Zechariah silent until the baby took it’s first breath. So then once John is born, Zechariah is finally able to open his mouth. He names the child John, and then continues to praise the LORD as he overflows with excitement for what God has done.
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