As we approach Christmas, let us never forget that this is one of the two reasons I see in scripture for "the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us." God sent his beloved Son to earth so that we could live through him. The other reason is to destroy the Devil’s works.

Something we need to remember is that scripture often requires cultural knowledge that we as later readers don't consider. We need to discern what the original recipients understood, as it might be completely different than what we interpret on a surface level reading.

I pray that all my brothers and sisters in Christ are encouraged and blessed this morning as we worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in unity in Holy Spirit.

I know Mary is an important figure for Christians, but have we considered that God chose Joseph to be the man who would raise his Son? I know Mary was highly favored, but consider how favored Joseph must have been to be chosen by God to be Jesus' earthly father.

Who represents you? Adam in his disobedience or Jesus in his obedience? If we share in Adam's nature because we are born in his image, then likewise, those of us who are born again as new creations in Jesus Christ share in his nature, and Holy Spirit is working to perfect us.

I know that as Christians, we live in a world that's hostile to us and persecutes us, some more than others, but regardless, that does not negate what God wants to do for us. These are promises we can trust in. I don't have all the answers, but I do know that God is faithful.

I never really considered the last sentence until today. 1.) Natural delivery 2.) Normal looking child 3.) Less than ideal conditions I think I can safely assume that Mary was physically and emotionally exhausted, and the shepherds were God's reminder of his promise to her.

I saw some friends do this and it seemed interesting, and I'm not disappointed with the result. Paul's writings, as well as every other author in scripture, have been used by Holy Spirit to mold me into who I am in Christ today. The old man is dead, and the new man is alive.

I believe here Jesus is talking about the new life and the resurrection, because while we do have new life in him, our current bodies are like the old wineskin. They don't need to be patched, but replaced. Eventually we will have new wineskins for the new wine, but not yet.

Throughout the Old Covenant writings, our Father often pointed to a time when he would no longer rebuke his people, and I believe the groundwork was laid through the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus, but there is still more to come when he returns for us.

I understand it. God understands it. We get overwhelmed and get depressed, constantly fighting against circumstances that seem never-ending. This is true for everyone at some point, some more than others. However, I echo the Psalmist. Hope in Jesus, who will never forsake you.

I've seen some talk here about Jesus returning to set up a Jewish centered kingdom, but these verses seem to indicate otherwise. Jesus is taking both Jews and Gentiles and making something new, a new humanity with no division, united in him in love and peace.

This is always a good reminder for us, but more than that, consider Proverbs 4:23 - "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." It is still important to guard our hearts, but now we have God's peace guarding us when we yield our concerns to him.

Life is tough for all of us, no one can deny that, but in Christ we have hope. Learn the promises found in scripture, both in the Old and New Testament. The suffering we experience does not negate the good God wants to do for us. Trust and wait on him, he is always faithful.

This was from my Pastor's sermon this morning. We need to remind ourselves that God is faithful and trustworthy. He has a proven track record, and that should give us confidence to step forward with him. We can have the assurance spoken of in Hebrews 11 because of this.

Forgiveness is vital to our walk as Christians. Not only does it reflect God's heart towards us, but as Paul states here, when we don't forgive, Satan outwits us, and we have no excuse, as his schemes are old and obvious. He's been divisive and murderous since the beginning.

The prophets said that Jesus would bear our sickness and pain, and Matthew 8 quotes this verse, declaring that Jesus fulfilled this. That wasn't only true while Jesus was physically on Earth, it's true today. Believe that Jesus bore what you are facing and be healed. I have.

I just finished my first Gundam Card Game Event. 1 win - 2 losses. Not bad for a random deck build.

Listen to the words of Jesus. I'm not saying that the return of Jesus will be today or tomorrow, but we are seeing the reality of Jesus' Temple Mount discourse. The love of many is growing cold. Lawlessness is increasing. That can't be denied. Jesus is our only hope.

My daughter and I just finished the Gunpla models we picked out last Saturday. Mine is the RG GP-01, and hers is the HG Star Build Strike. Not a bad way to spend my birthday, I'm happy we got to do this together :)