One of the things that makes Christmas so memorable is the hymns and carols. The most familiar Christmas carols become part of the tradition for Christians across denominations (and are sometimes even sung by non-Christians). While such hymns can be beneficial for Christians, they sometimes focus on things that are more imaginative than factual (WasContinue reading “December 19, 2021”
Tag Archives: Advent
December 12, 2021
Many Christians are familiar with the ancient Advent hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” But did you know that it is based on a series of seven prayers called the “O Antiphons.” These prayers have historically been sung at vespers (evening worship) during the final seven evenings of Advent (December 17-23). Each of these ancientContinue reading “December 12, 2021”
December 4, 2021
Many people have happy memories of the season leading up to Christmas. Family traditions involved in decorating their house, watching certain movies, listening to music, enjoying special meals, rituals, and outings. One tradition that was part of my childhood was family devotions during the Advent season. We lit a new candle on our Advent wreathContinue reading “December 4, 2021”
November 28 – December 4, 2021
This week, we begin a new year in the Christian Church calendar. The season of Advent is a season of beginnings. The word “advent” means “coming.” In this season, we hear prophecies of Christ’s first coming and prepare ourselves to celebrate his birth. We also are blessed by his coming to us to live andContinue reading “November 28 – December 4, 2021”
November 21-27, 2021
What would it be like to meet God? We know he is almighty and holy. He loathes sin. No wonder that when God appears to his Old Testament people, their first response is typically terror. But when Jesus Christ came into our world, he hid his glory and power. He humbled himself so that sinnersContinue reading “November 21-27, 2021”
December 13-19, 2020
We have many hopes and dreams in this world. Some even seem to have honorable motives. The Lord, though, steps in and outshines our plans with the miraculous. He sends his Son to earth in a miraculous way to set up an eternal kingdom. Then in an equally wondrous way he draws us into thatContinue reading “December 13-19, 2020”
December 6-12, 2020
We often become enamored with eloquent and influential speakers who promise wealth and ease. But Malachi said that the true messenger of God would be another Elijah. He would speak God’s Word and prepare people for God’s judgment. He would turn fathers’ hearts to their children and children’s hearts to their fathers. Through the WordContinue reading “December 6-12, 2020”
November 29 – December 5, 2020
God does not leave us to flounder on our own in this world but prepares us for the final great event―Jesus’ return at the end. He sends his messengers to point out the reality of sin and its consequences so we do not drift into complacency. He sends his good news of salvation in ChristContinue reading “November 29 – December 5, 2020”
November 22-28, 2020
Next Sunday, we begin a new church year with the season of Advent. Advent reminds us: Jesus is coming soon. The world will end soon. If we seriously look at our sins, we have plenty cause for fear and worry. But our lessons focus on the faithfulness of God, who calls himself our Father andContinue reading “November 22-28, 2020”
December 8-14, 2019
The coming of Christ in history and his return at the end of time proclaim the good news of God’s mighty deliverance. Our hearts rejoice as we hear Isaiah describe our deliverance. James tempers our joyful anticipation of our Lord’s return with patience as we undergo daily trials. We take comfort in Jesus’ words ofContinue reading “December 8-14, 2019”
Together in the Word 