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Scripture Reading — Matthew 2:9-12 They opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11 What’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 of warm...

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 2:8 Christmas 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 gifts and...

Remembering God’s Promises 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 2:4 Sometime (probably a few months) after the birth of Jesus, Magi from the...

Scripture Reading — Luke 2:17-20 They spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child. . . . Luke 2:17 Because 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 engage in. We’ve...

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 2:15 My children enjoy making Christmas presents for each other. Especially when they were younger, a big part of our family...

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 2:2 Sometimes 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 was born...

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 on the joy and...

Scripture Reading — Luke 2:6-7 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born. . . . Luke 2:6 Christmas 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, decorations to put up...

Scripture Reading — Luke 2:1-5 Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. Luke 2:1 The Christmas story is shaped, in part, by a government decision: a census. People in Palestine likely griped about Caesar’s decree—and, according to tradition, a...

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 1:58 The story of Jesus’ birth is intertwined with another miraculous birth—that of John, who was born to Elizabeth and Zechariah in their old age. Though...

Scripture Reading — Luke 1:67-80 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied. . . . Luke 1:67 Opening 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 this is learning...

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:23 Joseph is sometimes an overlooked character in the Christmas story. He never speaks in the gospel accounts of Jesus’ birth. Instead, he considers the events of his life...

Scripture Reading — Matthew 1:18-21 Joseph . . . had in mind to divorce her quietly. Matthew 1:19 Having looked at Luke 1 already this month, we know about the angel’s announcement to Mary and the miraculous conception of her son, who would be named Jesus. But Joseph did not know all of this...

Scripture Reading — Matthew 1:1-24 . . . and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah. Matthew 1:16 Christmas often brings families together for celebrations. In many ways this can be a wonderful time of celebration and...

“The Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.” Luke 1:49 One danger we can slip into at Christmastime is discontent. Maybe we long for “the perfect gift” from someone. Or we hope for the perfect family gathering with “just the right people” around the table. Or perhaps we want...

Scripture Reading — Luke 1:39-45 “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Luke 1:45 In many ways Mary’s surprise pregnancy was not welcome news. Though she had accepted God’s will, it must have been puzzling. God’s way of working in her life was rather...

Scripture Reading — Luke 1:26-38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Luke 1:38 Surprise is a part of many stories people tell at Christmastime. Lots of folk stories, novels, and movies with Christmas themes include fun twists and surprises. And often...

DHS in NOLA and MLPS ICE is spreading into Louisiana and Minnesota. Hundreds of federal border agents arrived in New Orleans Wednesday, targeting “criminal illegal aliens” arrested for serious crimes then released from the sanctuary city’s jail. Next, ICE will reportedly head to the Twin...

Scripture Reading — Luke 1:8-25 Zechariah asked . . . “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” Luke 1:18 Zechariah and Elizabeth had grown old waiting for a child. But then one day, when Zechariah had an opportunity to burn incense in a holy, inner room...

Scripture Reading — Luke 1:5-7 They were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old. Luke 1:7 The Christmas story begins with broken dreams. Elizabeth and Zechariah had prayed fervently to have a child (see Luke 1:13), but God had not answered in the way...