It's no accident that almost every hymn we sing this time of year touches on incarnation. It is the very foundation of our Christian faith. There is a sentence from "O Holy Night" that thrills my soul whenever I hear it: "Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared and the… Continue reading Day 5: Born

Understanding the true nature and worth of Jesus is the key to understanding the significance of Christmas. He was born into this world, became fully human, and lived as a man among men. Yet unlike all other human beings, his existence did not begin at conception, rather he is eternally begotten of the Father. This… Continue reading Day 4: Begotten

We must consider the perfect timing of the birth of Jesus. During Roman occupation, a census was ordered. Joseph and Mary needed to return to their ancestral home: the city of David. This registry was happening at the worst time to travel - when Mary was very pregnant. And lo and behold, Emmanuel was born… Continue reading Day 3: Timing

Throughout the Old Testament God's prophets predict, the stories foreshadow, and his people wait. What are they waiting for? A Messiah - a future, Savior-King who would reign forever. It's not hard to decipher what it is exactly that we need saving from: exile, slavery to sin, strife with each other, and the shadow of… Continue reading Day 2: Yearning

There was a tremendous buildup to the birth of Jesus Christ throughout the Old Testament, as God continually promised a Savior from the family of David in Scripture. From Abraham to Judah to Boaz to Jesse to David to both Mary and Joseph, we trace that straight and undeniable lineage. But the exact manner in… Continue reading Day 1: Foretold

Welcome, friends! December 2022 is upon us, and another advent season has arrived. Once again, I'll be sharing a daily series of short devotionals with accompanying Christmas hymns over the next few weeks. One of my favorite memories from childhood is coming home just after dusk from a day of December shopping to see an… Continue reading The Gift that Keeps Giving: 2022 Advent Devotional (Introduction)