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Jesus coming into this world followed over fifteen hundred years of preparation. In a sin-filled and dark world God was laying the foundation for this one event that would change everything. He had created a nation, Israel, that was designed to point to this one event. Their history was a living example of God’s salvation. Their worship rituals were full of practices that were designed to point to their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. The priesthood in Israel pointed to Jesus as the ultimate high priest. The sacrifices pointed to Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice. The temple, that place where God connected with his people, pointed to Jesus – the ultimate temple where God is at home with us. And the list goes on… Read the rest of this entry »

Last week we talked about Christmas as found in Hebrews 2:14-18 and Philippians 2 – Jesus did not find equality with God something to be grasped.  Rather, he humbled himself and became like us (Christmas) so he could face the wrath of God in our place.  In his death for us our sin is forgiven and Satan is stripped of his power.  Through the forgiveness of our sin we are friends of God and can now move into the life we were created for. Read the rest of this entry »

Christmas is fast approaching so I’d like to move in that direction over the next three weeks. I’d like to connect this Christmas message to the series we’re in – moving from “Consumption to Compassion” – I think it’s a natural fit. Christmas is all about moving from comfort to mission, from consumption to compassion. This is a central call for those who have given themselves to Jesus. Remember what the apostle Paul said in another core Christmas passage: Read the rest of this entry »

Luke 2:1-7, “Jesus came in humility” [Listen]

I would like to ask a simple question this morning. Why did Jesus come in humility? Read the rest of this entry »

Luke 1:26-38, “Mary, recipient of God’s favor” [Listen]

The passage today explains how Mary was introduced to the role God had for her. We’re going to find out what it means to be favored by God – perhaps not mean what you think. Read the rest of this entry »