Scripture Reading — Revelation 12:1-17 She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth.— Revelation 12:2What is the real impact of Christmas?For many of us in the Western world, the story of Christmas has a familiar cast of characters: Joseph and Mary, th
Scripture Reading — Matthew 2:9-12 They opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.— Matthew 2:11What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve ever received?A number of years ago, my in-laws gave me a heavy winter jacket and overalls—the kind
Scripture Reading — Matthew 2:7-8 “As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”— Matthew 2:8Christmas in the Western world has become a highly secularized holiday. While the celebration still bears the name of Christ, the season marks a time of
Scripture Reading — Micah 5:2-4; Matthew 2:1-6 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born.— Matthew 2:4Sometime (probably a few months) after the birth of Jesus, Magi from the east came in
Scripture Reading — Luke 2:17-20 They spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child. . . .— Luke 2:17Because our young family has lived far away from other relatives, my wife and I have often tried to find different Christmas activities that our kids can
Scripture Reading — Luke 2:15-16 The shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”— Luke 2:15My children enjoy making Christmas presents for each other. Especially when they were younger, a big pa
Scripture Reading — Matthew 2:1-2 “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”— Matthew 2:2Sometimes the big news story of the day is not the one we think it is—or there is more to it than we realize.As Jesus
Scripture Reading — Luke 2:8-14 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“Do not be afraid.”When we think of Christmas, these are probably not the first words that come to mind. We usually focus o
Scripture Reading — Luke 2:6-7 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born. . . .— Luke 2:6Christmas has a way of sneaking up on us, especially if our schedules are full. For many of us in North America and other places, there are parties to attend, decoration
Scripture Reading — Luke 2:1-5 Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.— Luke 2:1The Christmas story is shaped, in part, by a government decision: a census. People in Palestine likely griped about Caesar’s decree—and, according t
Scripture Reading — Luke 1:67-80 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied. . . .— Luke 1:67Opening gifts is a big part of our family’s Christmas celebration. Each year, our kids are excited to see what they’ll receive. But one important part of all t
Scripture Reading — Luke 1:57-66 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.— Luke 1:58The story of Jesus’ birth is intertwined with another miraculous birth—that of John, who was born to Elizabeth and Zechariah in their