April 13, 1742, marked the first public performance of George Fredrick Handel's masterpiece, Messiah. Handel was not the one to put the words to music. Charles Jennings, a Shakespearean scholar and lover of Handel's music. Eventually, the two became acquainted and did some projects together. In July of 1741 Jennings wrote to his friend Edward [...]
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night. - Revelation 12:10 My spirit is [...]
OK - Here's one we get wrong almost every time. The Magi show up in every manger scene, and on plenty of Christmas cards, but in the Biblical account they don't show up for years. Admittedly, I've taken some liberties, filling in the blanks, but I think you'll like my take on some wise men. [...]
We start Christmas week with a peek at a wonderful woman of faith. At the very time Simeon was praying, she showed up, broke into an anthem of praise to God, and talked about the child to all who were waiting expectantly for the freeing of Jerusalem. Luke 2:38 I’ve Been Waiting for You Anna [...]
Today and tomorrow we'll be looking at two of the walk-on characters in the Christmas story. They don't show up in our manger scenes, or on our Christmas cards, but they have their own wonderful Encounters With Jesus. “With my own eyes I’ve seen your salvation; it’s now out in the open for everyone to [...]
Today - Shepherds. “A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:11-12 Good News Shepherds “Where are we going, you ask? Didn’t you see the sky light up [...]
Today we see Joseph's struggle with what to do with his pregnant fiancé. “She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name Him Jesus—‘God saves’—because He will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 Take this Woman Joseph Have you ever been so angry you couldn’t think about [...]
All this week before Christmas, I am posting the Christmas portion of my book, Encounters With Jesus. Today we take a look at Mary's encounter with an angel, and the high price she paid to walk with the Lord. Enjoy! “Yes, I see it all now: I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve. Let it be [...]
Over the next few days leading up to Christmas, I'm going to release the Christmas portion of my book, Encounters With Jesus, to give you the flavor of the book. It would be a great way to start the year off. Forty days getting to know Jesus with a fresh pair of eyes. Enjoy... [...]
I’ve been going to church at Christmas time for 62 years now. Admittedly one of those years I was in utero. None the less, figuring a minimum of four Christmas sermons a year, not including Sunday evening services which were a thing for my first couple decades and allowing for Sundays with programs instead of [...]