“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14)Christ is born! For today’s devotional I’d like to wish you a merry Christmas! I’d also like to remind you of the good news of Jesus’ arrival—and in general of his life, death and resurrection—through the gospel-soaked words of … Continue reading Glory to the newborn King
The bridge between heaven and earth
Welcome to Christmas Eve!Over 700 years before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah spoke of a coming King. Like many prophecies, not only were the prophet’s words rooted in historical situations and concerns, but they looked ahead to the future. This King would bear divinity. He would be born of a virgin and would be called … Continue reading The bridge between heaven and earth
The true meaning of Christmas: Be careful
At this time of year, we often hear people talking about “the true meaning of Christmas.” I’m glad about that. We need to focus on what and Who matters most.However, be careful. There are competing definitions of “the true meaning of Christmas.”For example, I’ve heard it said that the true meaning of Christmas is that … Continue reading The true meaning of Christmas: Be careful
A perfect time to re-centre
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour” (Matthew 25:13).A dying boy wanted to meet Dwight Eisenhower, the 34th President of America, whose term occupied most of the 1950’s. Somehow his request made its way to the President. One day, low and behold, Eisenhower just showed up at his front door, unannounced. It … Continue reading A perfect time to re-centre
Faith, loving action, perseverance
In the past few devotionals, I have been sharing some insights about a parable Jesus told in Matthew 25 about his return.In short, a groom shows up at his own wedding banquet. Five women who were faithfully waiting for him get let in to the festivities. Five women who were unprepared get left out. The … Continue reading Faith, loving action, perseverance
The problem is never God’s availability
In Matthew 25 Jesus tells a parable about his return. Some people are ready for him, others aren’t. The people who are ready to meet him get let into a wedding banquet—which, based on my own study, represents the new heavens and the new earth. Others aren’t ready for him and get left outside.After arriving late … Continue reading The problem is never God’s availability
How you live today—and the last day
“Surely I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:20).Advent is the four-week period leading up to Christmas. It is from a Latin word meaning “coming.” At this time of year, we think about the first coming of Christ at Christmas. Makes sense. Historically, however, it is also a time to think about the “second coming” when Jesus … Continue reading How you live today—and the last day
The key word is readiness
Firefighters do their work in a state of readiness.Picture a firehall. The firefighters need to be ready to respond to a call at a moment’s notice. The firepole exists to save time getting from the second or third floor to the first, quickly. The truck is also always full of gas and ready to go. I … Continue reading The key word is readiness
Being Christian—up to a point
A father dragged his college-aged son into the office of one of his professors, Dr. Campolo. The father was angry. It turns out that the son had spent his time at college in a different way than the father had intended.The father said: “I sent him to college to get a good education, to make … Continue reading Being Christian—up to a point
Not alone in your struggles
Dr. James Tour is a professor at Rice University. His church has a ministry to support families dealing with the challenges of cancer. People need treatment like chemotherapy for months at a time, so families from their church welcome these families into their homes.Sometimes, as we know, even children get cancer. In the midst of … Continue reading Not alone in your struggles
