Though their circumstances were grim, Isaiah tells Israel a Messiah is coming who will redeem everything.

Psalm 89 is Israel’s response to what seemed like a broken promise.

You know that feeling when you have to wait longer than you expected to? Frustration builds as each minute passes. Soon you’re wondering why you showed up at all.

Have you ever wanted to believe God would make something happen, but the circumstances overwhelmingly pointed to “no”?

‘Tis the season for family gatherings and work parties. If you’ve ever hosted a holiday party, you know preparation takes time.

How many times have you looked at a situation and thought: “There’s no way. This is impossible.”

Joseph had a choice when he discovered Mary was pregnant. He could publicly divorce Mary, which would have led to Mary being stoned. Or, he could try to divorce Mary quietly.

Mary’s calling was a blessing, but it was also costly. She nearly lost her fiancé. She was disowned by everyone around her, and she would eventually see her son murdered.

The calling God placed on Mary’s life wasn’t something she could hide. She was carrying a child. And not just any child — the child Israel had waited hundreds of years for!

Micah prophesies a ruler will come from Bethlehem, one who will shepherd his people and bring peace.

When Caesar Augustus decided to take a census, the timing couldn’t have been worse for Joseph and Mary. They weren’t yet married, and Mary was due any day.

Despite what our nativities would have us believe, Jesus’ birth was not a rustic, peaceful delivery.

Jesus is “Immanuel” or “God with us.” Through Jesus, God came and walked among creation. Jesus made a way to restore our relationship with God and gave us His Spirit, so we’re never without Him.

Often, what’s good news for some is devastating for others.

When you think of the kind of people God works through, who comes to mind?

Christmas presses us all to answer the most important question: Who is Jesus?

If you start watching a movie when it’s almost over, you miss the significance of certain events.

Jesus was probably 1 or 2 years old when the wise men arrived. Still a babe, Jesus was unable to do anything for them. Yet they were overjoyed to see Him and showered Him with gifts fit for royalty (Matthew 2:10-11).

It’s a common plot for Christmas movies. Girl bumps her head and wakes up in a different reality. She remembers everything, but no one recognizes who she really is.

“How beautiful upon the mountains

are the feet of him who brings good news...”