Many years ago Dr. Gary Chapman became known by his classic book on the five love languages. It is said that everyone has a love language. We accept love and communicate love in different ways. The five love languages identified by Dr. Chapman include: words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and…
It is in this special time of year that we celebrate the coming of our Savior to the world. One of the ways we remember the meaning of this time of year is by lighting the advent candles. Advent is basically a four-week period of time counting down the days until Christmas. The word ‘advent’…
The term ‘angel’ in its most simplistic form is defined as ‘messengers.’ The messengers of Christmas include the angel that appeared to Mary, the angel that appeared to Joseph, and the angel that appeared to the Shepherds. Though we are not angelic beings, for we are much more since we are created in the image…
The Gospel of Matthew provides a perspective on the birth of Christ unique from what we find in Luke’s Gospel with a focus on Joseph, the ‘step-father’ of Jesus. In chapter one of Matthew we see the genealogy of Christ. This provides proof that Jesus is indeed of the line of David and the rightful…
Christmas time is filled with wonder and excitement as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. R.K. Hughes writes, “Without a doubt we could spend our lives searching the literature of the world for a story as beautiful as that of the Nativity and never find it. The narrative of Christ’s birth is especially piercing…
There are many wonderful spiritual nuggets that are found in the Biblical account of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. One spiritual nugget that sticks out like a flashing light is found in Luke 1:38. The angel had just explained to Mary how she would give birth to the Savior of the world though…
Luke 2:16-17 says, “And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.” After the shepherds had the amazing encounter with the angels, they went to see Jesus for…
We live in a very fearful world. Our minds are often filled with worries and fears. We fear the instability of our nation’s security. We fear the very real possibility of economic collapse. We fear what kind of world our children are inheriting. We are concerned for their future. Such fears are nothing new in…
Our world today is becoming more increasingly opposed to Christianity and to the name of Jesus. This is seen in great fashion in the public arena of America. Politicians refrain from speaking ill of other religions; however, when it comes to those who follow Jesus, there is no hesitation. Public schools in America have systematically…
In recent days we have been reminded of the evil that is present in the world. When tragic events occur we often question how and why evil exists. We are even prone to question why God would allow such things to happen. How can God allow someone to kill innocent children? Could God not prevent…
Pastor Chris Noland 