The first Christmas was scary. It troubled Mary (Luke 1:29). It took a dream from God to convince Joseph that God was behind it (Matthew 1:20). And the shepherds were all but undone by it (Luke 2:8, 9). Somewhere deep down in ourselves we realize that we do not deserve this divine visitation. King Ahaz […]
Week 50 Study |
Week 50 Character |
When the Holidays Hurt
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! It’s practically impossible to express just how wonderful it is to celebrate the birth of our long-awaited Messiah who came to set us free from the curse of sin and the sting of death! So it may be hard to imagine that for many people at Christmastime, […]
Week 50 Mission |
God With Us
The Christmas story of the baby born in Bethlehem is often demeaned and pushed aside because of misunderstanding. So what if scholars tell us Jesus wasn’t born on December 25 in the year 0, or if we don’t get the gifts we wanted, or our family is scattered and we won’t be able to see […]
Week 50
Study Questions
Use one or both of these questions to introduce the lesson. 1. Historically, have there been nations or people who sought the protection of a stronger power only later to be swallowed up and taken over by the power protecting them? Explain your answer. 2. Have you ever wondered if God was big enough to […]
Week 50 Application |
Down in the Weeds
Years ago I heard the CEO of a well-known restaurant chain speak to a group of Christian college students. He inspired the crowd with his speech and his answers during the Q&A session that followed. I was more impressed, though, after the event ended when our guest speaker got down on his knees to help […]
