Be Wise
Read Psalm 2 Few New Testament figures are shrouded in as much mystery as the Magi. They have been called kings, wise men and astrologers. They come, vaguely, from “the East” and...
One of Peace
Read Micah 5:2-5 “And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace.” Where does our security come from? For many of us, it comes from our identity as part of a group: our family, place of work, circle of friends....
Introduction to “Power in Preparation”
During Advent, with the study of Matthew 1-2 in our “Family Tree” series and devotional, we as a church began a year-long study of the Gospel according to Matthew. This...
Journey of Sorrow and Hope
Read Matthew 2:13-23 Years ago, on a night in early December, my first husband died in a car accident. Shock and grief cast a shadow over Christmas. Among the many cards and...
God of the Nations
Read Matthew 2:1-12 Growing up, I would hear lots of messages about how our God is a God of every nation, and it was an easy message to take for granted. God...
Worship Experience Response
Sunday After Christmas: Messiah, Magi & the Nations Just a few days ago we celebrated the coming of the promised Savior, Jesus! But the family tree continues to grow, and this week’s focus...
Week 4 Family Talk
Week 4 Family Talk: Mary Hi! Hey! Hello! Hola! How’s it going? What’s up? There are a lot of different ways to greet someone when you first meet them, but most of the time...
Loyal to Love
Read John 19:25-27 Our Lord, the Lamb of God who was born to die, bore our sin to free us to live in love, truth and obedience. This freedom contradicts all other...
Thwarted Plans
Read Matthew 1:18-25 Did you have specific plans that you found thwarted this past year? I think most of us found ourselves in that situation, specifically because of the pandemic. Like me,...
A Weighty Responsibility
Read Luke 1:45-56 Mary’s song—also called the Magnificat—is one of three hymns recorded in Luke 1-2 that declare the covenant faithfulness of God. Zechariah prophesies about God’s salvation after John the Baptist...