As we continue our look at Still Christmas (Advent Devotionals 2017) and the earthly assaults upon spiritual stillness, I’d like to look at the birth of Christ from two different vantage points: Joseph’s and Mary’s. The Bible doesn’t say that any other human being was there for Jesus’ birth. No midwife. No mother of Mary. […]
Luke 2:5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. Joseph and Mary plod along, days on the journey to Bethlehem. Let’s continue our look at Still Christmas (Advent Devotionals for 2017) and let the Bible’s Christmas narrative be transparent and totally real […]
Luke 2:4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. Nazareth to Bethlehem. That’s 98 miles. Google says it takes 1 hr 53 minutes with light traffic on this low traffic road. That’s […]
Government. How often do we feel like our lives would be better without it? Rules, regulations, and checklists. Demands, division, diversion, and deception. Ugh. So much of government seems to be for its convenience, enrichment, and exertion of power. But it doesn’t really seem to be for our benefit much of the time. This is […]
Wisdom is often shown in knowing when to speak and when to be silent. *** Zechariah had foolishly asked for proof of God’s blessing and he was forced to be silent while God brought it about. He’d learned to be silent and learned to Be Still. Then just as suddenly as he was rendered […]
Circumcision—the bris ceremony—is a family celebration for the Jews. It reminds them of the covenant and at its most faithful heart, it’s more than just a tradition to observe. It’s a big deal for Jewish families and everyone gets together for the event and parties afterward with food. As we continue our look at the […]
It’s hard to argue with results. For all the surprise that aging Elizabeth’s pregnancy provided, the birth of a son was something even neighbors and friends could celebrate. Luke 1:57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the […]
How Mary could remain calm is beyond my understanding. Not only would there be the shock and excitement, after all, it’s not every day you even meet an angel (let alone have one speak to you). But inevitably, there would arise judgment from other people. Those who wouldn’t understand. No one could, really. Bear God’s […]
One look at our world of social media and we can easily conclude no one really wants to give up their 15 minutes of fame in order to experience stillness. People craft ways of going viral and unfortunately, they are not only legion in number but way too often Legion in origin (Luke 8:26-37). Much […]
One of the distinct upsides of being still is that it inspires praise. When we’re alone with God and are aware of His presence, it reminds us He is real. There’s one response that flows naturally: praise! Alone with God is a great place to be as we remember why a Still Christmas is a […]
