Jesus lived before he was born

 

As we consider the birth of Christ, John reminds us that Jesus Christ existed before the incarnation. John points us back to a time before Genesis 1, to a time before anything was created, and John ascribes all of the creative acts to the pre-existing Jesus, referred to as the "Word" (John 1). This description of Christ leaves us in wonder that the very creator of all things slipped into His creation to demonstrate His love for us.

My pain is greater than your pain

 

We all suffer different kinds of pain, and sometimes it might be tempting to dismiss someone's pain, because we feel it's not like our pain. Satan argued with God that physical suffering was more distressing than emotional or financial loss (Job 2).  Can you find a way to let others share their pain without judging them or minimizing their suffering?

Happy to be here

 

Christians often use Psalm 122 to remind us of the blessing we receive when we attend church. However, we should take care no to mistake our church buildings for God's presence. When we gather, either in person or through virtual meeting (Matt 18:20), we are benefiting from seeing God's spirt in our brothers and sisters (John 14).  How are you finding others to worship with?

Carrying Advent into the new year

Christians have chosen to set aside December 25th as a time to focus on God the Son's unique advent into our history as the man Jesus. While we rejoice in this time and use it as a way to celebrate God's first advent, we know that the truths of this time are really for everyday. May we be humbled by God's great gift through out the year. 1 Timothy 4:6.
(originally published 12/31/17)

Who was the first to hear that God's Son was born?

The news that God had sent HIS Son, Jesus Christ, into the world was first given to 

the most socially unacceptable men of the day. Shepherds were financially poor and

socially excluded. They would not have been welcome in the worship services or Temple.

But God saw their worth, and gave the wonderful news to these "lest of these" first.

How do we treat those on the fringe our polite social circles?
(originally posted 12/25/16)

When considering our trials and times of suffering it might be easy to dismiss Jesus' sufferings as something entirely different than what we are experiencing. The good news is that Jesus does understand exactly what you are feeling and relates to your experience as if it were his own (see Hebrews 4:15-16).

Handling God

When the apostle John describes his time with Jesus Christ, he remembers being able to touch and handle the Son of God 1 John 1:1. It's hard to imagine the God who created us came to us in a form that was so accessible and welcoming. When you think of Christ, do you think of him as this inviting? Do you imagine someone who let you shake his hand or give him a hug?

Is your fear bigger than your God?

Sometimes our fears seem so large that nothing can save us from their power. Isaiah 7:4 reminds us that the things we fear most are very small when compared to the infinitely powerful GOD.

I've already got a plan

Isaiah 7 tells the story of Isaiah's encounter with King Ahaz. During their meeting, Isaiah brings word from God that Ahaz can rely on God to fight for the king. Ahaz chooses his own plan over God's signs and visions. How do we rely on our own plans rather than trusting what God has already promised us in the Bible?

Rough Hands on the Prince of Peace

When the God of all glory came to earth in the form of baby,

the first hands to touch him were likely the callused hands of

the working class. While kings and rulers were denied an

audience with the new born king, shepherds were in attendance.

What does that tell us about the roots of Christianity?