Have you thought about what it cost Jesus to come to earth as a baby? Paul writes that Jesus “emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled… Read More »Advent Day 9 – Power
Going to church is a boring hobby. There are many other more fun things to do on a Sunday morning. The church is also not a club – where you can join and leave as you please. Belonging to a biblical… Read More »Advent Day 8 – The Church
Christmas is a time to spend with family and friends which can get complicated if there is conflict around the table. In Luke 15:11-31 Jesus tells the parable of the Prodigal Son. The story makes a sweet Sunday School lesson,… Read More »Advent Day 7 – Reconciliation
In the hustle and bustle of the crazy Christmas season, we need to open the door to peace. The peace of God is not the “world peace” promised on the stages of beauty pageants or from the mouths of politicians.… Read More »Advent Day 6 – Peace
Day 5 should be a wide, heavy door on the Advent calendar because it leads to an essential gift of grace: Propitiation. Yesterday we learned about how Christ removes our sins from us, but this would be of little value… Read More »Advent Day 5 – Propitiation
Today, on Day 4, we open the door to a big word with a beautiful meaning. Expiation means the act of removing or extinguishing something.In biblical terms, it has to do with taking away guilt through the payment of a penalty… Read More »Advent Day 4 – Expiation
Today we unwrap the unbelievable gift of Justification. Justification is a legal declaration that the accused (and guilty) party is innocent or not guilty, regardless of all the evidence being stacked against them. “The primary reason for the incarnation was… Read More »Advent Day 3 – Justification
It’s only Day 2 and we get to unwrap the gift that sets Christianity apart from all other religions: justification by FAITH alone. In all other religions (and false Christianity) you must work to earn a better standing with God… Read More »Advent Day 2 – Faith
I am so glad you’re joining me on this Advent adventure!In true Advent tradition, we will open one door of the Advent calendar each day until Christmas morning, revealing an exciting gift to explore. Our first Gifts of Grace we unwrap together… Read More »Advent Day 1 – Hope
When our lives are crazy and the world seems to be turned on its head, we must be reminded that Christ is the reason, not just for the season, but for every season – joyful or weary. Join me for… Read More »Unwrapping God’s Gifts of Grace