Make A Donation
Click Here >
Monthly Archives: December 2018
December 19, 2018
Silencing Mary So the last will be first, and the first will be last. — Matthew 20:16 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones … — Luke 1:52 She had cornered the market on playing Mary. There was just no competing with her Mary costume, the best of the best when it… Read more »
December 18, 2018
A special angel Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God … — 1 Peter 5:6 … He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. — Luke 1:51 I was intrigued when an angel of color was placed on the tree in the sanctuary. I was especially surprised after hearing… Read more »
December 17, 2018
Leaps of faith Do not fear, for I am with you … — Isaiah 41:10 He has shown strength with his arm … — Luke 1:51 The climb up the tree wasn’t hard; it was the climb down that had me fearful. My brother stood with his arms outstretched, telling me to jump. I… Read more »
December 16, 2018
He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. — Luke 1:51–53 When love takes over When… Read more »
December 15, 2018
Front row saints Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. — Matthew 5:5 I was once senior pastor of a church that had a longstanding Bible study for special-needs adults. Its faithful teacher, Helen, was nicknamed “Sunshine” by its members, a recognition of her radiant compassion. During worship, the class sat… Read more »
December 14, 2018
Passion play … the mystery … hidden throughout the ages and generations … has now been revealed to his saints. — Colossians 1:26 … from generation to generation. — Luke 1:50 Mary had a prophetic premonition that her role in God’s passion play would reverberate for generations. As we celebrate seasons like Advent, we… Read more »
December 13, 2018
Reverence, not fear … let all the ends of the earth revere him. — Psalm 67:7 His mercy is for those who fear him … — Luke 1:50 The Hebrew word yare’ and the Greek word phobeo are consistently translated as “to fear.” A more nuanced rendering would be “to revere.” As we celebrate… Read more »
December 12, 2018
Holiness surrounds us Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth. — Psalm 108:5 … and holy is his name. — Luke 1:49 Mary’s song has so many powerful levels of meaning, but it is ultimately an act of worship, ascribing glory to the Holy One… Read more »
December 11, 2018
God’s mighty presence I will meditate on all your work, and muse on your mighty deeds. — Psalm 77:12 … for the Mighty One has done great things for me … — Luke 1:49 Mary recognizes that her new status as the mother of God is not based on her own righteousness. It is… Read more »
December 10, 2018
The lavish love of God … who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing … — Ephesians 1:3 Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed … — Luke 1:48 In her Song of Praise, Mary recognized — and treasured — her blessedness. Do you also treasure the blessings God… Read more »
