The advent season reminds us of what it means to be poured out on behalf of others. When the apostle Paul refers to Christ’s emptying himself, he pulls our gaze first to the baby in the manger (Philippians 2:7).   He awoke earlier than the rest of us. The night before had been filled with... Continue Reading

Spurgeon helps us navigate the Christmas holiday, whether we choose to participate in the festivities or not, by encouraging us that there are various reasons to gather on this day outside of tradition or superstition.   To most modern Western Christians, it might be a surprise to discover that Spurgeon did not celebrate Christmas with... Continue Reading

Celebrate Jesus with the world. Tell them he came to the world to “save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Joyfully point to “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). For “there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved”... Continue Reading

God is no killjoy. He wants us to enjoy ourselves. He gives us good gifts so we can enjoy them. But that joy is but a taste of the joy incomparable that is ours in Christ. One day, when Jesus comes again, we will have joy beyond measure.   As I’m in the mode of... Continue Reading

Join me this Christmas in stargazing, contemplating the divine mystery – “God became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1: 14). Such contemplation can have a purifying effect in our lives and help us to set our sights... Continue Reading

It was the ultimate condescension. The Son laying aside His God-powers temporarily and leaving the halls of heaven to inhabit a human body. The greatest work had to be done, and this was the way it had to be accomplished. And now, God was literally with us in flesh and blood.   The birth of... Continue Reading

Jesus Christ is the prophesied sprout from Jesse’s stock. The opening verse of the New Testament designates him as “the son of David” (Matthew 1:1), and his birth in Bethlehem and endowment with the divine Spirit fit the prophetic profile for the messianic king. Yet Jesus is born in a lowly manger, raised in backwoods... Continue Reading

If we are to know God, we can look to philosophy, creation, and the cross and the empty tomb, but let us not forget to look to the manger. The story of the birth of Jesus Christ is more than just warm feelings, a nostalgic glow of fuzzy spirituality. The incarnation draws us into the... Continue Reading

Jesus had to be born in Bethlehem in order to fulfill this ancient prophecy. This was the plan God had established before the foundation of the world. Therefore, in accordance with God’s plan, the ruling power of Caeser was used to call for a taxation that would require Joseph and Mary to comply with a... Continue Reading

As much as Advent is a season for gathering with family and friends, for the church it is a missional launching point for us to inhabit and take the gospel to the world. The world sits and waits year after year for a savior. They make functional saviors of sex, power, possessions, comfort, and a... Continue Reading