The Morning Light is one of the first names given to Jesus. Do you know the last name given to him? In Revelation 22:16 Jesus calls himself the Bright Morning Star. What is it about these similar titles (Morning Light and Morning Star) that would cause biblical authors to bookend the New Testament with these references?
Read MoreTraditionally, Advent was more akin to Lent - a time of preparation for the arrival of the Lord Jesus. It was somber. Christmas hymns were not sung (those were reserved for the Christmas Eve and the Christmas season). Followers of Jesus focused on preparing their hearts and lives to receive the Lord Jesus once again, which often meant taking time for prayer, fasting, and reflection.
In other words, it was nothing like it is today.
Read MoreIn his version of the birth narratives, Matthew introduces Jesus to us as Emmanuel, or "God with us." The gospel author John does not have a birth narrative per se to open his story of Jesus, but he does say one thing very similar to Emmanuel: "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.'"
That line is probably the best synopsis of the Christmas story of all time.
Read MoreIt’s important to identify Jesus as the Christ. It’s more important to identify the kind of Christ Jesus is.
Read MoreWe often think Mary’s physical motherhood of Jesus was the cause of her blessing. We think that God blessed her above all women because she was pregnant with the Messiah.
Incorrect.
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