Who's your Herod?

The story of Jesus includes the story of King Herod (Matt 2). While Herod performed splashy religious acts like building a temple,  he was also known for brutally killing a large number of infants for fear of losing his kingdom. Christians should be wary of those who might seek to "buy Heaven," or use their wealth to influence our silence while they perform evil acts.

The ultimate immigrant

The story of Christ includes his time as a child in Egypt (Matt 2). During this time, Jesus lived as an immigrant, but Jesus was actually an immigrant his entire life. Being the Son of God, Jesus was not of earth, but lived there for 33 years. How does Christ's status change how you think of him? How does it change what you think of anyone who chooses or is forced to live in another country?

The God who can't be bought

The prophet Nathan was surprised when God told him that David was NOT to build a temple and then reminded Nathan that God doesn't need anyone's help with with anything(2 Sam 7).  While David's motives aren't clear, it is evident that God will not be indebted to those who seek to do him a favor. We can take comfort in knowing that God's help is not bought with our good deeds.

Carrying Advent into the new year

Christians have chosen to set aside December 25th as a time to focus on God the Son's unique advent into our history as the man Jesus. While we rejoice in this time and use it as a way to celebrate God's first advent, we know that the truths of this time are really for everyday. May we be humbled by God's great gift through out the year. 1 Timothy 4:6.
(originally published 12/31/17)

Advent: We wait for our coming king

Micah 5 describes a conquering king who will defeat all of the pain and suffering we face everyday. Our suffering is ascribed to the sin that now rules the world. When our king, the Lord Jesus Christ returns, we believe that this sin will be destroyed and with it, our pain and suffering. Can you take comfort in knowing that our suffering is temporary?
(originally published 12-10-18)

Rough Hands (re-post)

When the God of all glory came to earth in the form of baby, the first hands to touch him were likely the callused hands of the working class. While kings and rulers were denied an audience with the new born king, shepherds were in attendance. What does that tell us about the roots of Christianity?  (re-posted from 2016)

Advent: Waiting with a servant

The great promise of the advent season is that Christ will return and make things right for everyone. While we wait for his return, we can take comfort that the coming Christ often shows up in our lives as a gentle servant, ready to fix our personal, shattered worlds (Is 42:1-4).
(originally published 12/17/18)