1. Jesus stands before the disciples as the bridge between heaven and earth, and between Old Testament and New Testament.
  2. This week we will take a closer look at God's love in Scripture.
  3. Predestination, Jim knew, is no longer a frightening doctrine of mystery when you understand that God makes his choice about you in the simple word of God, given from one sinner to another.
  4. Forty days after giving birth, Mary, along with her husband Joseph, presented their firstborn Son at the temple and "bought" him back with a sacrifice of two small birds. This is known as the "Presentation of Our Lord."
  5. Even as he was dying, the heart of God poured itself out for the sake of sinners.
  6. All of Scripture, every last syllable of it, is meant to drive us to "consider Jesus," the One who comes to "make us right" by gifting us his righteousness.
  7. It makes perfect sense that the day honoring Jesus' birth would be observed in a decidedly less than refined manner.
  8. 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.
  9. A.I. can’t make the proclamatory move that delivers God’s word in a way that is specifically for me.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. If Jesus shows up and you are a sinner, ‘tis more blessed to receive than to give