Luke 2:7-8

How does something like this happen? Rubel Shelly tells a story about Tommy Luck and the baby that transformed a rough mining town and then reminds us Jesus did the same thing with the world.

"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger,...."

"While [Joseph and Mary] were [in Bethlehem], the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and..."

"And while [Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem], the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in....."

Inspirational illustration of Luke 2:6-7 -- While [Joseph and Mary] were [in Bethlehem], the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for

If we listen, it is not so silent a night at Christmas! Rick Brown writes about LSTN headphones, hearing, Starkey hearing foundation, 400 years of silence after the Old Testament, years, silence, quiet, need, hear, hearing, listening, listen, Immanuel.

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the...."

Inspirational illustration of Luke 2:8-11 -- And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. B

Despite all the mess and the complications, God came to live among us being born in a place where animals fed. Max Lucado reminds that Jesus, the Son of God, the Christ and Messiah, came to us in a manger in Bethlehem.

"That night [after Jesus was born,] there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord....."

We sometimes forget that Jesus' birth, so wrapped in sentimentality at Christmas, was a real event when the Immortal God chose to wrap himself in the fragile face of a newborn child. Phil Ware continues his Christmas series, entitled "Give Me Jesus", focusing this week on the specific time, the then, of Jesus' coming.

Pause and let God speak hope rather than giving way to fear and panic. Max Lucado reminds us that the first Christmas was one big gigantic interruption in the life of unknown shepherds.

"Dear Child of God, The right time came for My birth into the world — God in human flesh entering the world to be raised as a child of human..."

It's not the road you think, but it's the destination you seek! Phil Ware goes over a number of inaccuracies that have crept in to our telling of the story of Jesus at Christmas, but reminds us that the main thing is that Jesus came for everyone and the more we know the story, the more we know it is true.

Have you taken all the excitement out of Christmas? We have taken the joy, glory, risk, holiness, excitment out of Christmas and made it predictable and boring.

When was your last pause to reflect, rest, and renew? Rick Brown gives some statistical data on Christmas shopping, historical data on the birth of Jesus, and some spiritual insight on how to keep from going under during the busy time we call Christmas.

Uh? Christmas is about easter? Tis the season! Rubel Shelly puts Christmas into perspective by talking about Easter and the resurrection hope of the Savior.

Come on and let's go! Let's find a fresh joy in going back to Bethlehem for the birth of our Lord!

"Dear Precious One, As you prepare to celebrate My birth, I want you to notice something about My mother and Joseph: They were alone in Bethlehem! ..."

How would it feel to say know to Jesus? Larry Davies puts us in the place of the inn keeper who had no room in his inn for Joseph and Mary.

Advent is rooted in the work of God in history, through real people, to do the miraculous in the most human of things, through the birth of a child. Phil Ware reminds us to celebrate Advent and not simply settle for Christmas, especially in a hard year like this one.

Advent is rooted in the work of God in history, through real people, to do the miraculous in the most human of things, through the birth of a child. Phil Ware reminds us to celebrate Advent and not simply settle for Christmas, especially in a hard year like this one.

Advent is the celebration of Jesus' coming to earth and bringing God's heavenly Kingdom shown in his ministry, lived by his people, and ultimately experienced at his return! Phil Ware shares Scriptures and James Nored shares an inspirational video regarding the blessings and significance of Advent, Jesus' coming to earth as God in human flesh as our Savior and Lord.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This is the Biblical account of Jesus' birth from Matthew 1 and Luke 2 from the NIV 11 version of the Holy Scriptures.

"Dear Follower, Don't you hate it when people try to make religion into something that's always somber, serious, and joyless? Yes, I came for serious...."

"Dear Beloved, The story of My first two years speaks of vulnerability. I was born to a young woman far from home and without friends and family with...."

"Dear Disciple, Have you really made room in your heart for Me? I'm not talking about thinking about Me during the Christmas season. I'm asking if..."

"Dear Precious One, Christmas is close! What are you feeling? Is it fear? ...pressure? ...stress? ...worry? ...sadness? Please don't lose Me in the....."

You can find Christmas in the most surprising of places! If we are willing, we can find Jesus in the most down to earth of places.

I wonder what it was like when the angel learned he would bring the news? Whether Christmas comes on December 25 or not doesn't really matter, what does matter is that Jesus came and the angels declared it and that we celebrate it with great joy.

Come on! The New Year is coming, don't we need to move on and get ready for it! Phil Ware and James Nored introduce Heartlight.org readers to the grit of grace and the coming video series called, "My Story in God's Story."

"Dear Precious One, The heart of our Father was beautifully revealed through the prophet Isaiah:For this is what the high and exalted One says —..."

"Dear Friend of God, Today, I AM asking you to do something important. I know you are busy with all your Christmas plans, but there is one important....."

"Dear Child of the King, When you open your Bible and you see the appearance of angels, know that the Father is up to something special in your world...."

What did it smell like at the manger? Phil Ware talks about the significance of shepherds being found at the manger of Jesus.