Why Mary? Mary herself must have wondered, Why am I a “favored woman”? Why me? Indeed, the reasons she was chosen are known only to God. But it is clear that she was no random selection. Though an ordinary small-town girl, she must be obedient and courageous. From her song (see Luke 1:46-55), we know that she was a woman of Scripture, a woman of faith. She must be a virgin, … [Read more...] about Why Did God Choose Mary?
Holidays
Why Was Jesus Born in Bethlehem?
Bethlehem played host to the Nativity, an event that the world hardly noticed, yet changed the destiny of every human creature. As Ralph W. Sockman once phrased it, “The hinge of history is on the door of a Bethlehem stable.” We imagine a silent night—but remember, the inns were full and celebrants must have roamed the streets. We imagine an obscure town—yet Bethlehem … [Read more...] about Why Was Jesus Born in Bethlehem?
The True Meaning of Easter and Seven Signs That Jesus Rose From the Dead
Every year thousands of people travel to the Italian Alps to ascend a mountain which passes through the “stations of the cross.” Eventually they come to the foot of an outdoor crucifix, and there they meditate on their faith. One day a tourist noticed a trail leading away from the cross. Determined to find out where it would lead, he fought through all the … [Read more...] about The True Meaning of Easter and Seven Signs That Jesus Rose From the Dead
The Joy of Christmas
Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child When I was growing up, most churches had some sort of a Christmas pageant every year. The average-sized church could pull together enough grammar school-aged kids to be the cast and fill all the roles: shepherds, wise men, angels, the innkeeper, and the various animals that we assume were in the stable that eventful night. The plum … [Read more...] about The Joy of Christmas
Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on December 25?
We often think of the Nativity as the “first Christmas.” But was it? It depends upon what is meant by the word Christmas. If we mean the birthday of Christ, then no other day is the first Christmas. But that’s not what the word Christmas actually means. It comes down to us from a Middle English term, Christemasse, the “Christmass,” or Christ’s service of worship. But does … [Read more...] about Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on December 25?
In Everything Give Thanks
To give thanks is an action and rejoice is a verb and these things are not mere pulsing emotions. While I may not always feel joy, God asks me to give thanks in all things, because He knows that the feeling of joy begins in the action of thanksgiving. —Ann Voskamp1 Through the Lens of Thanksgiving We enjoy clearer vision when we look at life through the lens of … [Read more...] about In Everything Give Thanks