“And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer” (Luke 22:15). We belong to the Christian group that values the renewal of mind (knowledge) over experience (feelings). While there is a place in the Christian life for experience, nevertheless the Scriptures call again and again for … [Read more…]
Usually, we anticipate the Christmas season saying that “Christmas is around the corner.” Well, now we can farewell the Christmas season saying that “Christmas is just about to turn right and disappear around the next corner.” Yet, the story of the Jesus’ birth will stay with us for longer…forever? An important part of Luke’s story … [Read more…]
Christmas – with all the bad publicity from certain people or even Christian groups remains, still, an opportunity to honour Jesus. Christmas – with all the commercial distortion and blatant consumerism remains, still, an opportunity to proclaim His name. Christmas – with all the shallow entertainment and social media distractions remains, still, an opportunity to … [Read more…]
Advent defined by any dictionary is the arrival of a notable person. For us Christians, Advent is the arrival of the most notable Person in all human history, Our Lord Christ Jesus. No other arrival is more important and necessary than the arrival of The One who accomplished what none of us were able to … [Read more…]
“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register” (Luke 2:1-3). Luke purpose in writing this book had two directions. He set … [Read more…]
“Blessed be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people” (Luke 1:68). In preparation for the Christmas season, we are reading the pre-Christmas story from Luke’s Gospel. This Sunday, we have reached Zechariah’s song/psalm. This sermon is based on that particular story, more exactly on the first … [Read more…]
“And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name” (Luke 1:46-49). Mary’s soul was … [Read more…]
“The angel answered, ”I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news” (Luke 1:19). And thus the season of good news had begun.The obvious good news for Zechariah and Elisabeth was that their prayers have been heard. That … [Read more…]
“His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people” (Luke 1:67-68).The pre-Christmas story as presented by Luke makes reference to the Holy Spirit as the “behind-the-scenes” power/person who not only directs/guides people but is personally … [Read more…]
”When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!” (Luke 1:41-42).In Luke’s gospel, the Holy Spirit is first mentioned in v.15 then in v.35. The angel’s … [Read more…]