Some people have lost their faith in Christmas. Either it’s too commercial, too childish, or too something else. And, yes, if you look at Christmas as a social obligation, I agree. But we should not forget the meaning of Christmas. If we do, we celebrate something because it is that time of year. But Christmas is much more than cookies, presents, and get-togethers. Okay, you say, why is Christmas still a big thing? Glad you asked. Christmas is a big…
Last week I shared that even Mary the God-bearer needed a Savior. We all do. But I get it that being called a sinner might not sound very uplifting. It might make you feel doomed. Well, according to the Bible you are doomed without a Savior. You’d be doomed without Christmas, without Jesus coming to rescue us. But because he did, being called a sinner can be comforting. What??? In the words of Martin Luther “When Satan tells me I…
The Bible keeps surprising me. Or maybe God keeps surprising me while I read the Bible. Christmas is near so I have turned to the Gospel of Luke and this time I paid attention to the words of Mary: My spirit rejoices in God my Savior. What’s so unique about these words of Mary’s song of praise, the Magnificat? 46 Mary responded,“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.47 How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!48 For he took notice of his lowly…
Do you ever read some Bible verses thinking ‘thank God that’s not my problem’? But once you dig a bit deeper you realise that it’s exactly your problem? I share a Bible verse today that had that kind of effect on me. It’s from the sermon of the Mount. Jesus tells us that we can’t serve both God and mammon. I nod wistfully like a Pharisee and I am thankful money has never been an issue for me. (I have many…
If you’re not ready for Christmas, don’t worry. That’s how it’s supposed to be. Babies are born when they are born. Most often it is when everything is not ready yet. And no matter how much you prepare, a baby is always an unknown territory anyway. So if you find yourself in a situation that everything is not perfect, you’re celebrating Christmas the authentic way. Mary did not have much for Jesus either. So be merciful to yourself and concentrate…
How are you doing? What kind of needs or concerns do you have today? I hope you take time to turn to God with your worries. Because in Jesus you find what you’re looking for. My God will meet your every need out of his riches in the glory that is found in Christ Jesus. (Phil.4:19, CEB,*) Jesus is everything we need and so much more. He is our redeemer, our Messiah. He is our healer, our savior. He gives…
Has God rescued you out of deep waters? Has God pulled you out of chaos? Has Jesus saved your life? Do you still remember the awesome feeling of being pulled out of darkness? Or have you forgotten all the good God has done to you? Forgetfulness is one of the dangers in our relationship with God. Too often we are thankful for all the good when we are just out of deep waters. But then we go on with our…
