Read This: Luke 2:1-20 If you’re telling the story of Jesus, why mention a census? Two reasons. First, it places the story at a specific point in history. Second, it solves a location problem. PROBLEM: Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived in Nazareth. The Messiah was supposed to be born in Bethlehem. SOLUTION: Caesar […]

Read This: Matthew 1:18-25 No wound is more painful than treachery — when the one you love violates your trust by secretly loving another. The pain of infidelity is searing and can lead to harm: For jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge (Proverbs 6:34). Jesus’ dad […]

Read This: Luke 1:57-80 When you travel somewhere new, it helps to get directions — especially from someone who knows. Turn left by the firehouse. Get in the right lane. Watch for the Interstate overpass. The parking lot is just past the bridge. Before you know it, you’re there. That’s how Gabriel’s messages worked. He […]

Read This: Luke 1:39-56 Day 9 brought Mary into the story. Imagine being fourteen, meeting an angel, and learning you’re having a baby — though you’ve never been with a man. Mary’s question (How?) was genuine, and the angel’s answer (God will be the father) was accepted (vs. 38). Mary didn’t ask for a sign […]

Read This: Luke 1:26-35 Mary was a young teen. (Think freshman.) She lived in a small town located near nowhere, and she was a virgin. Like most girls her age, Mary was already engaged to be married. Her future husband was the village carpenter, and the rest of her life was entirely predictable. Until Gabriel, the […]