One Way or the Other

whale

Most people know the story of Jonah being swallowed by a great fish.  While many choose to look at it as an imaginative object lesson to teach obedience and the futility of running from God, in actuality, God has done stranger things than to allow a person to be swallowed…

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The God of Things That Are Not What They Seem

creche

The prophet Isaiah described the coming of the Messiah thusly in Isaiah 9:6-7: “For to us a child is born,    to us a son is given,    and the government will be on His shoulders.And He will be called    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7 Of the greatness of His government and peace    there will be no end.He will…

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Christmas Wish List

girl with christmas gift

When I was a child, the song, “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth” was popular.  While that was me one year in particular, I thought it was hilarious that two front teeth would be the entire list for Santa.  My list always had a lot of…

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The Kingdom of God Is Here

When we think of the Kingdom of God, do we see ourselves living in it here and now, or is it something far away to be attained?  For the most part, I believe we see the Kingdom of God as very different from our current state of existence, because we…

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Why a Baby?

image of a toddler's feet

The Israelites understood from prophesy that God intended to send them a Savior.  But the only hint on how the Messiah would come is found in Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (God with us).”…

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The Importance of the Celebration

party noisemakers

A number of Christ-followers, including myself, have looked at Christmas as the celebration of Jesus’ birthday.  That view is supported in Western culture with the emphasis on manger scenes featuring a beautiful, helpless baby.  Certainly the reminder of what Jesus did for mankind in leaving His glory in Heaven to…

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If He’s Not the Reason, Then…

angry santa

A number of years ago the phrase, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season,” became popular for Christmas cards, plaques, ornaments and the like.  It has now been around long enough to become trite to some, and to receive only casual nods from others.  Spiritual detractors of Christmas argue that…

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The Cure for Negativity

blue capsule

Sometimes it seems there is not much to be happy about these days.  COVID variations still threaten people world-wide, US mandates threaten freedoms and livelihoods, and the unrest that follows threatens peace and security in families.  Anxiety and depression are at peak levels.  Many believe that finding a cure for…

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