For No Word from God Will Ever Fail [The angel Gabriel] said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give …
Fight Fear: Trust God’s Timing
God Is Listening When Zechariah saw [the angel], he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.” Luke 1:13 Christians worldwide have been praying that God will be merciful and …
Everlasting Joy
“Good Tidings of Great Joy” I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness. Isaiah 61:10 “Fear not, for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,” the angel told the shepherds on the …
Christmas Past and Future
A Heavenly Family Celebration Then the angel said to [John], “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” (Revelation 19:9) The youngest of four children, I lived with my parents long after my older siblings left home for college, careers, and homes of their own. But they all returned for Christmas. Each year I looked …
Extend the Joy of Christmas
What Did You Expect? When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Matthew 11:2-3 Did Christmas disappoint you? Did your loved ones neglect to give you the present you wanted? Did squabbling siblings get …
God’s Christmas Message
A Christmas Card from God? “For I am a great king,” says the Lord Almighty, “and my name is to be feared among the nations.” Malachi 1:14 Bills, advertisements, and credit card offers—the contents of my mailbox on most days. But during December, I receive the welcomed addition of cards and newsy letters from friends and family. Their updates let …
Christmas Joy
Restore the Joy of Christmas “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. Luke 1:38 Feeling overwhelmed by all you need to do before Christmas Day? Is it even possible to have a busy yet peaceful Christmas season—to move from hectic and stressful to calm and joyful? Yes … if we follow Mary’s example. She could have characterized the days leading …