December 21, 2025 |
Luke 2:1-14 |
christmas
The INFINITE became an INFANT. The ETERNAL ONE entered human history. At Christmas, we celebrate the staggering truth that the One who CREATED all things stepped into His own CREATION. God did not send a MESSAGE from heaven, He sent the MESSIAH, His one and only Son, Jesus Christ––God in the flesh!
But here’s the question: Why does the incarnation matter to us today? Why should it move our hearts and change the way we live? Because too often the true meaning of Christmas gets buried under shopping lists, wrapping paper, and holiday festivities. We enjoy the celebration, but miss the meaning. If we’re not careful, we can celebrate Christmas and overlook Christ.
In the second chapter of Luke’s gospel, he gave a historical account of the incarnation, describing the humble birth of God’s Son and the angelic announcement to shepherds watching their flocks nearby. In this birth announcement, we can see the true meaning of Christmas revealed.
December 14, 2025 |
Luke 1:39-56 |
christmas
Does the message of Christmas, of Christ’s coming, cause you to make much of the Lord? To esteem Him highly? To call Him great! Or do you struggle during the Christmas season? You’re tired of all the “Jingle Bells” and Santa songs on the radio? You’re overwhelmed by the crazy busyness and expense of the gift buying and present wrapping, home decorating…and it’s giving you a “Bah! Humbug!” attitude this Christmas? Or maybe it’s that present you won’t be buying, the stocking you won’t be hanging, the empty seat at the table that won’t be setting… that’s got you feeling a lack of joy this Christmas?
But what if we’re focusing on the wrong things at Christmas? What if there’s a more faithful way to respond to the true and good news of Christmas?
In the gospel according to Luke, he recorded that when Mary visited her relative Elizabeth, she was immediately filled with the Holy Spirit, and her unborn baby leaped for joy in her womb, leading both women to faithfully respond to the Good News of the coming Messiah.
December 7, 2025 |
Luke 1:26-38 |
christmas
Like Mary, many of us struggle to understand that God wants to do something significant in our lives. We look at our resumes, our past mistakes, or our current limitations, and we think, “God couldn’t possibly use me. I’m nothing special.” We tend to think God’s favor is something we have to earn, achieve, or qualify for. We need to know today that God’s activity in our lives isn’t based on our performance, but on His unmerited favor. If we miss this, we miss the heart of the Gospel.
Luke’s account shows us a different way. It shows us that God breaks into ordinary history to reveal His extraordinary, unmerited grace to ordinary people.
In the gospel according to Luke, he recorded how the angel Gabriel announced God’s gracious favor to Mary, revealing the miraculous conception of God’s Son and assuring her through God’s Word and power so that she might respond in faithful submission.