Imagine for a moment that you move to a new country with a predominate language that you don’t know. On your person are all your belongings and coins only from your home country — not usable in this new land. The new country and its state gives you 90 days of help before expecting you…
Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people … — Luke 2:10 … according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever. — Luke 1:55 As children, setting up the Nativity scene was a highlight for…
HOLINESS SURROUNDS US Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth. — Psalm 108:5 … and holy is his name. — Luke 1:49 Mary’s song has so many powerful levels of meaning, but it is ultimately an act of worship, ascribing glory to the Holy One of…
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. — Luke 1:48–50 GUARDIAN OF PEACE The angel sent a message of joy from God of Heaven above, holy light gleams on earth where…
GOD’S FAVOR FOR ALL The Spirit of the Lord is upon me … to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. — Luke 4:18–19 … for he has looked with favor … — Luke 1:48 A powerful Old Testament practice was the Jubilee Year, also called the Year of God’s Favor. Every 50th year, debts…
EXULTANT SPIRITS Rejoice in the Lord always! — Philippians 4:4 … and my spirit rejoices … — Luke 1:47 Recall moments when you rejoiced wholeheartedly — times of worship, family gatherings or even communing with nature. As a father of a special-needs son, I think of the Special Olympics. These events celebrate the worth of…
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE … and sent the rich away empty. — Luke 1:53 My brother was a huge Beatles fan as a teenager. Inspired by the Fab Four, he would sign birthday cards with the words “All you need is love.” Sound advice from a child of God whom the world might look…
He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. — Luke 1:51–53 WHEN LOVE TAKES OVER When love…