Why were shepherds the first people that the good news was announced to? There has been a long standing explanation that goes like this. Shepherds were amongst the poorest and were often despised having a reputation for dishonesty. Therefore, the appearance to them fits with a theme of Jesus being there for the poor and… Continue reading Why Shepherds?
Tag: #Advent2020
A son out of Egypt Hosea 11:1
For Starters What is it that you are eagerly awaiting as we come into Christmas. I expect that if you are a 5 year old then it is the promise of a present 3x the size of you! Maybe some of us are looking forward to the promise of a few days off, food, music,… Continue reading A son out of Egypt Hosea 11:1
Mary did you know?
I love the lyrics to the carol “Mary did you know?” I particularly love this version by Pentatonix. The Carol sets up an imaginary conversation with Mary asking her questions in order to highlight the contrast between the seemingly ordinariness of a little, fully human baby and the wonder of his divinity and his role… Continue reading Mary did you know?
Born to be king
The thing about the Christmas story is that because a lot of the detail lends colour to the narrative, it is in fact matter of fact and to some extent incidental. We have focused so much over the years on mangers, inns and stables that they have become central. Yet the one crucial detail in… Continue reading Born to be king
Nobody puts the baby in a corner
Luke 2:1-7 tells us of the events surrounding Jesus’ birth. We meet up with Joseph and Mary again following her visit to see Elizabeth and the focus in chapter 1 turning to the birth of John. Now they must go to Bethlehem and register for tax purposes. Whilst there, Mary gives birth, the baby is… Continue reading Nobody puts the baby in a corner
A shepherd king for the whole world
In yesterday’s article, we saw how one of the Advent promises is that Jesus is the shepherd king from Bethlehem fulfilling Micah 5:1-5. One of the aims in Advent is not just to look forward to Christmas Day remembering Christ’s first coming (advent) but also to look forward to his Second Coming or Advent. How… Continue reading A shepherd king for the whole world
The Shepherd of God’s People (Micah 5:2)
When the wise men arrived in Jerusalem asking to see the new king, Herod’s spiritual advisors consulted Scripture and identified that the messiah would be born in Bethlehem. The basis for this was these words in Micah 5:2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,from you shall come… Continue reading The Shepherd of God’s People (Micah 5:2)
Godless?
In this video, I describe Christmas as part of the evidence that points to the reality of the God who is Love, who created us and who is actively involved, even stepping down into history. I also said that that when it comes to apologetics, some people prefer to separate out proof of God’s existence… Continue reading Godless?
Finding favour with God
In Luke 1:28, the angel Gabriel addresses Mary as a “favoured woman” in case she (and we) don’t get then point, he again tells her “you have found favour with God”[1] What does it mean for Mary to have found favour? Roman Catholic tradition seems to put the focus on her and her life. Mary… Continue reading Finding favour with God
The Promised Word (2) God
Here’s the next in our Advent look at John 1. Don’t forget you can also subscribe directly to the YouTube channel.
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