Tag: Advent
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Which Old Testament prophecies foretold Jesus’ birth? Eight of them, from Bethlehem in Micah 5:2 to Isaiah 7:14, and the odds of one man fulfilling them.
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Why did God announce Jesus’ birth to shepherds? An Advent devotional on Luke 2:8-20 and the humble men who became the first to spread the word.
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What role did angels play in the Christmas story? They announced, warned, protected and guided. An Advent devotional on Luke 2:8-15 and the angels’ song.
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Manger animals, the first witnesses of Jesus’ birth: a family Advent devotional on Luke 2:6-12 with thanks for our pets and a way to help animals in need.
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Why was there no room at the inn? An Advent devotional on the innkeeper in Luke 2:1-7, why God may have allowed it, and whether we make room for Jesus.
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Why did Mary and Joseph go to Bethlehem? Caesar Augustus ordered a census, and God used it to fulfill Micah 5:2. An Advent devotional on Luke 2:1-5.
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Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus: what betrothal meant in his day, what obeying God cost him, and why he is the unsung hero of the Christmas story.
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What did the angel say to Joseph? In Matthew 1:18-24 Gabriel reassures him by appealing to his royal line and to Scripture, and Joseph obeys at once.
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Who was Elizabeth in the Bible? The mother of John the Baptist, who welcomed a pregnant Mary in Luke 1:36-56 and was filled with the Holy Spirit.
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Who was John the Baptist’s father? Zechariah, an ordinary priest visited by Gabriel after 400 years of silence. An Advent look at his doubt and faith.
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Why was Zechariah struck mute? An Advent devotional on Luke 1: the unbelief behind Gabriel’s rebuke, and how the silence prepared him to raise John.
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Who was Mary, the mother of Jesus? An ordinary young woman who said yes to God despite fear and shame, in Luke 1:26-38. What does her yes ask of us?