John the Baptist is one of my favorite biblical characters because he definitely stands out and people take notice of him. He is memorable, not only of his message, but of his clothing and food choices. Though the Gospel of Luke does not mention him wearing camel’s hair and eating locusts and wild honey, MatthewContinue reading “John the Baptist”
Category Archives: prepare
Really Ready for Christmas?
This week, we have asked some tough questions, hopefully preparing us and challenging us to embrace the real Christmas event so our lives reflect Christ in this world. Once more, I invite you to read the scripture focus for this week. Take some time to ponder what we have talked about this week. Most importantly,Continue reading “Really Ready for Christmas?”
Do We Take Christ Seriously Enough?
This may seem like a strange question as we begin Advent, but I believe it is an important question we should ask ourselves. This is a questions I ponder most days. How we think about Christ changes our to do list and what we do day to day. What we believe about Christ changes ourContinue reading “Do We Take Christ Seriously Enough?”
Preparing for What?
We have just entered into the season of Advent. This marks the beginning of a new Christian church year. Advent is one of my favorite times because we have the opportunity to focus on the actions God took by becoming man, Jesus Christ. We are invited, once again, to deepen our faith and allow theContinue reading “Preparing for What?”
December 20: Prepare (Advent 2014 Devotional)
Matthew 2:3-6 When King Herod heard this, he was troubled, and everyone in Jerusalem was troubled with him. He gathered all the chief priests and the legal experts and asked them where the Christ was to be born. They said, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is what the prophet wrote: You, Bethlehem, land of Judah, by noContinue reading “December 20: Prepare (Advent 2014 Devotional)”
December 17: Prepare (Advent Devotional 2014)
Luke 2:15-16 When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go right now to Bethlehem and see what’s happened. Let’s confirm what the Lord has revealed to us.” They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. On this journey to Bethlehem, we have justContinue reading “December 17: Prepare (Advent Devotional 2014)”
December 12: Prepare (Advent Devotional 2014)
Matthew 1:18-19 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. When Mary his mother was engaged to Joseph, before they were married, she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband was a righteous man. Because he didn’t want to humiliate her, he decided to call off their engagement quietly. Even thoughContinue reading “December 12: Prepare (Advent Devotional 2014)”
December 9: Prepare (Advent 2014 Devotional)
Luke 1:46-56 Mary said, “With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior. He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant. Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored because the mighty one has done great things forContinue reading “December 9: Prepare (Advent 2014 Devotional)”
December 7: Prepare (Advent 2014 Devotional)
Luke 1:35-38 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come over you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the one who is to be born will be holy. He will be called God’s Son. Look, even in her old age, your relative Elizabeth has conceived a son. This woman who wasContinue reading “December 7: Prepare (Advent 2014 Devotional)”
December 6: Prepare (Advent 2014 Devotional)
Luke 1:26-34 When Elizabeth was six months pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee, to a virgin who was engaged to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary. When the angel came to her, he said, “Rejoice, favored one! The Lord is with you!”Continue reading “December 6: Prepare (Advent 2014 Devotional)”
R Y A N S T R A T T O N 