1. It makes perfect sense that the day honoring Jesus' birth would be observed in a decidedly less than refined manner.
  2. Psalm 98, with its promise of a sea and mountains singing, takes these imposing natural features and turns them into a praise choir.
  3. To trust in the Lord, the Messiah, the Deliverer, is our salvation and our only hope. Yet he does not trust us to have this “trust” on our own or of our own will.
  4. A.I. can’t make the proclamatory move that delivers God’s word in a way that is specifically for me.
  5. Take courage, you who were lost: Jesus comes to seek and save that which is lost. Ye sick, return to health: Christ comes to heal the contrite of heart with the balm of his mercy. Rejoice, all you who desire great things: the Son of God comes down to you that he may make you the co-heirs of his kingdom.
  6. Rejoice with Mary as she would rejoice with you. Be blessed, like her, with humility from God, so that you may serve joyfully and willingly wherever and in whatever role God has placed you.
  7. If Jesus shows up and you are a sinner, ‘tis more blessed to receive than to give
  8. The lesson of Malachi reveals God’s love for his people. When the people ask for proof of God’s love, he reminds them of their election.
  9. O weary ones, O long-time waiting and watching ones, O ones who are late to the game, he is your rest this busy season, and always.
  10. In whatever direction the bias of men might be, from thence he might recall them, and teach them of his own true Father, as he himself says: I came to save and to find that which was lost.
  11. By his first Advent in the flesh, through his second Advent with bread and wine and water and Word, we await his third Advent at the end.