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Devotional Text: James 5:17-18 “I will move heaven and earth” is a common phrase meaning that a person will use all his or her resources in trying their hardest to get a job done. To look at this phrase literally, however, we have to recognize that reversing the laws of nature brings us to the only one who can actually move both the heavens and the earth, and that person is our God. In showing God’s authority over earth and sky, today I’d like to begin with a couple of stories from the Old Testament found in 1 and 2 Kings, beginning with the story of King Hezekiah in 2 Kin...

Devotional Text: 1 Peter 3:8 It’s a new year, a time to re-think the past year, and a time to focus on making this year a better one. One of the ways we can do that is to read and take to heart the words of Jesus and his disciples as they teach the meaning of unity in Christ. It is about how Christ brings us together in a way that is both uplifting and peaceful. Let’s begin by looking at some of the ways Jesus spoke to us about unity and love in the Gospel of John. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you,” John 15:12-14.

Background Text: Exodus 3:1-15

Devotional Text: Matthew 2:9-11 The birthday of Jesus is celebrated by most churches on Dec. 25 (some Eastern Orthodox celebrate on Jan. 6). Along with that celebration, we find the traditional Nativity scenes that depict Mary and Joseph with Jesus lying in a manger. The shepherds are there. There are some sheep and other farm animals. Angels hover over the crèche, and often a star is attached atop the barn-like structure. In the background we see three Wise Men and their camels. Thus, we have the complete Christmas story placed together. Except the Wise Men (Magi) were not at the birth of...

Devotional Text: Luke 2 As the birth of Jesus the Christ is celebrated, one of the most joyous things we can do is sing Christmas carols. These are the birthday songs of Jesus. While many of the carols lay out the story surrounding the birth, some also include the plan of salvation. Today, as we enjoy the season of Christmas, I'd like to look at the back stories of two of the most popular carols: "The First Noel" and "O Little Town of Bethlehem." When we look up "The First Noel" in our songbooks, we find it noted as a traditional English carol, with no author.