As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, …
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its beginning
And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birthLuke 1:14 It's beginning. The contractions have started. Close together, robbing her of breath. The world has contracted into just this space, just this time. This body, this moment, this labor. The Christ Child is on his way. But here is another …
into the darkness
he light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.John 1:5 Today is the darkest day of the year. Where I am, the sun will set at 5:02 PM, giving us just 10 hours of daylight. It feels appropriate then, that the Light of the World is about to make his entrance. The …
the weary world rejoices
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,‘Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;O Holy Night A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices. That has long been my favorite lyric in any Christmas song. Who isn't acquainted …
as I am.
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love …
known.
And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.Luke 1:50-53 I don't …
seen.
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.Luke 1:46-50 How does a person actually …
Fear Not: Part 3
How married are you to your plan? How much deviation to your internal agenda for your day, your week, your life, do you allow? Does an unexpected detour in your path throw you into a tailspin? Do you carry room for the emergent needs of others to reroute your priorities?
Recognized.
In his life and ministry, Jesus did not make a project of the empowered. The established church in Jerusalem was powerful. They held money and reputation and sway on the community. It would have been strategic to play politic, to win over the Pharisees and Sadducees, to get the endorsement of those who were educated, wealthy, well connected, estimable. Instead, those were the ones Jesus seemed to criticize the most. He mercilessly pulled at the strings of power, unravelling systems that benefitted them and showing the ways that power had corrupted the truth and authenticity of faith.
Bearing God
While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born. And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn...Luke 2:6-7 While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born. What a nice, sterile way to describe the sweat, tears, relentless pain and full …
JoyPlusGrace 