Generous Worship Consider: God drew the Magi to Jesus using something familiar and fascinating. They could have easily worshipped the star given to them by God to follow, but God’s revelation to them evoked awe for the Divine. Read Matthew 2:11a. What did the Magi do...
Drawn In During this set of advent devotions, we’ve observed the invitation of a variety of guests into the very first Christmas. God serves as host to those who share close relationships and the disadvantaged to revel in the Messiah’s long-awaited birth. One more set...
The Power of Testimony Consider: Inviting the shepherds into the first story was no mistake! God knew they would search for the Messiah as soon as they heard the news, and He also knew the shepherds would tell the whole stinkin’ town! The indisputable revelation...
A Call to Action Consider: God’s the best story-writer. His choice to reveal the long-awaited news of the Messiah to the Shepherds creates quite the unexpected and thought-provoking scene! As soon as the shepherds heard the announcement, they compared notes and then...
Witnessing a Revelation Consider: The story of Jesus’ birth includes powerful characters who show us how to invite God into our lives and how to interact with those closest to us. As a writer and lover of literature, I find other characters fascinating choices. For...
Humility Consider: Elizabeth and Mary demonstrate what it means to be filled with the Spirit. They also know how to bless, and one intriguing question shows another essential element in close relationships. This is perhaps the most difficult concept to practice but...
Bless! Consider: Learning from the interaction between Elizabeth and Mary informs our own close relationships today. Not only does Elizabeth exemplify the importance of being filled with the Spirit, but the very first words she exclaims are a blessing for Mary. Read...
Obedience Consider: First, Mary and Zechariah were shocked at the appearance of an angel of the Lord and then they engaged in a conversation based on their own understanding of the news brought to them. After they were both reassured, they continue to respond the same...
Engaging God in Conversation Consider: After the initial shock and awe of God sending an angel to speak on His behalf, Mary and Zechariah responded again almost identically. Zechariah Read Luke 1:18. What was Zechariah’s verbal response to the angel of...
Welcoming God with Reverence Consider: God hosted the very first Christmas! He sent out the invitation and proved the perfect, unconventional host. As we consider asking God to host our season, we should take notes on the first people He invited into the story...