Luke 20

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

"Dear Friend, As you begin your New Year, I want to challenge you to dedicate yourself and this year to honor Us — Father, Son, and Spirit. Be....."

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.

"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! ..."

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.

How is being a mom like being a yo-you? Motherhood brings with it the laughter and the tears of loving children.

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 Child of God, When I began My ministry, the folks in My home town of Nazareth were shocked. They didn't expect anything of Me. In their minds, I..."

"Every year Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. When Jesus was twelve years old, they attended the festival as usual. After the..."

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.

"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.

"Moved by the Spirit, [Simeon] went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon..."

"[When Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple for his dedication,] the Spirit led [Simeon] to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present..."

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.

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.

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

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 the Father, If you have had a loving, godly mother, then you have been profoundly blessed. No matter if you are rich or poor, famous or..."

What are your favorite memories of Thanksgiving and Christmas? Holidays are a time for remembering family events and remembering what God did for us by sending His Son.

"[The shepherds who had been told by an angel about Jesus' birth] hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in....."

"[The shepherds] hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby [Jesus], who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word..."

"Simeon took him [Jesus] in his arms and praised God, saying: "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen..."

"Simeon took him into his arms and blessed God: "God, you can now release your servant; release me in peace as you promised. With my own eyes I've seen..."

"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....."

Inspirational illustration of Luke 2:28-32 -- Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of a

Inspirational illustration of Luke 2:16-20 -- [The shepherds] hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby [Jesus], who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and a

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.

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.

"Dear Servant of the Lord, If you take the time to look at the grand story of grace in the Bible, you will notice servants of the Lord playing..."

"Eight days [after his birth], when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived. ..."

"[When Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple for his dedication,] there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was..."

"[An angel of the Lord said,] "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby...."

"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...."

"Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It....."

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

"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...."

Christmas, like the coming of Jesus, is about waiting! Phil Ware begins a five-part series on Jesus at Christmas. This week is focused on waiting for Jesus to come.

They're sure hard to find, but when you do... Phil Ware reminds us of Anna and Simeon, two aging super heroes from the birth stories of Jesus reminding us that getting older can mean getting better.

"Jesus' parents were amazed at what was being said about him [by Simeon]. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby's mother, "This child..."

"Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple [when Joseph and Mary were dedicating Jesus]. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher,....."

"At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when..."

"Suddenly, the angel [that told the shepherds about the Messiah's birth] was joined by a vast host of others — the armies of heaven — praising God and..."

"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. So Joseph went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to..."

"[Jesus'] parents didn't know what to think [when he stayed in Jerusalem]. "Son," his mother said to him, "why have you done this to us? Your father..."

Inspirational illustration of Luke 2:1 and 4-5 -- In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. So Joseph went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, becau

Church is supposed to be simpler than it is. We have made church much more complex than the story of Jesus. He brought a simple, real life plan to earth to save us.

It's not Thanksgiving, but not yet Christmas In the midst of the Christmas frenzy time, we need to remember the reason for the season. Thank God for Jesus

Where does Jesus fit into all the make believe? Rubel Shelly helps clarify that Jesus is a historical figure and real, not something imaginary like the Easter Bunny, tooth fairy, and Santa Claus.

"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..."

Greatness and grace reveal themelves in a world so real we can smell the manure and hear the breathing sounds of the Son of God. Phil Ware reminds us of the discontinuity, the absolute collision, of the grime of our world and the glory of God in the birth of Jesus.

The mystery, the wonder, the bewilderment, the delight, the fear, and the struggle as a new mom to God's Son were secreted in this hiding place of Mary's heart. Phil Ware reminds us that Mary treasured all the things about Jesus' birth in her heart and we can find our treasure with Jesus as he comes to us in the manger at Advent.

Don't let anyone rob you of your peace this season! Tom Norvell reminds us to not let anyone steal the peace we have in Jesus or in the season and offers some insights on keeping our peace.

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.

"Dear Follower, I know you sometimes wonder what your life's purpose is and what My plan is for your future. I have spoken to you through the..."

"And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David's ancient home [for the census]. He traveled there from....."

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth..."

"[After Mary and Joseph went back to Jerusalem to find Jesus,] he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And his mother stored all..."

"When Jesus' parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord [by Mary's purification and by dedicating young Jesus], they returned..."

""Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation...""

"So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He..."

"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 2:9-10 -- An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, I bring you tidings of great joy!"

Inspirational illustration of Luke 2:34-35 -- "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own s

I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. -- Luke 2:10-11

Inspirational illustration of Luke 2:51-52 -- Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

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

Inspirational illustration of Luke 2:4-5 -- So Joseph went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be mar

"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....."

How could we have this completely wrong? Phil Ware concludes his end of the year series called Beginning in Endings by talking about Anna and Simeon from Luke 2 and what they should teach us about aging and what to expect as we grow older.

"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 —..."

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.

Of all the people to announce the coming of heaven's glory, why did God choose this bunch? Phil Ware looks at the birth of Jesus and asks the very simple question: why did God reveal the birth of his Son to shepherds first?

Can we hope for the prophet's vision coming true? Some of the prophets dreamed big dreams that only later people would get to see.

"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...."

So what is there to fear on the eve a brand new year? When you least expect it, don't be afraid, God is revealing a new plan for your life.

What's a mom supposed to do with wet cement? Phil Ware continues his series on Mary the mother of Jesus called window to wonder and talks about Mary forming Jesus.

What's a mom supposed to do with wet cement? Phil Ware writes about Mary as the mother of Jesus and reminds that Jesus, along with every other child, was 'wet cement' given by God to form into the person the Father wants them to be.

"Dear Disciple, I love the way My beloved disciple you know as John describes My coming to earth: "The Voice took on flesh and became human and chose...."

God's long story of grace intersected the mess of our world, and the rest of this story is our good news of great joy. James Nored on video and Phil Ware with words remind us that the circumstances of the moment can be swallowed up in the greater joy of God's long story of grace that came to us in Jesus of Nazareth.

"The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel told them."

"Dear Child of God, If you were a shepherd in the time when I was born, you would never have expected anyone to be astonished at anything you could..."

"Dear Friend, Ouch! You sent a text to someone, and he or she didn't understand your humor. You left a voicemail that was supposed to be cute, but..."

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.""

""Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.""

""Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.""

"The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."

"It had been revealed to [Simeon] by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah."

"Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him."

"We must not cease to wonder at the great marvels of our God. It would be very difficult to draw a line between holy wonder and real worship; for when...."

"There was an exercise, on the part of this blessed woman, of three powers of her being: her memory-she kept all these things; her affections-she kept...."

"What was the subject of their praise? They praised God for what they had heard-for the good tidings of great joy that a Saviour was born unto them...."

"Dear Disciple, Please know that I treasure everyone who follows Me. I know that many in your world do not believe in Me and that many who claim they...."

Inspirational illustration of Luke 2:12 -- "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Inspirational illustration of Luke 2:14 -- Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.

Inspirational illustration of Luke 2:14 -- Glory to God in the highest

Inspirational illustration of Luke 2:49 -- "Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”

"Dear Disciple, In your world, independence, autonomy, self-sufficiency, and doing your own thing are of utmost importance for some people. A little....."

Is it too late to keep them from stealing away your wonder? Rick Brown writes about a rare snowfall in Houston and how the wonder of it all, then the reality and boredom of it all, parallel the sense of wonder we have with Jesus.

"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...."

Where can you find history's greatest treasures? Phil Ware reflects on Mary treasuring the memories of Jesus' birth in her heart and finds reason not to sweat the small stuff, not miss the moments of grace in Christmas, and not lose the opportunity to lock away treasures in our own hearts this time of y

With the birth of Jesus, we enter a gritty world that we know is our own. Phil Ware continues his series called When Spirit Becomes Flesh and he focuses on the grit and real world feel of the birth stories and also the joy that comes from Jesus' birth.

Hold on to your Christmas hat, because you've received the same invitation as the shepherds! Rick Brown reminds us that we can tell the story of Jesus' birth just as well as the shepherds did!

How did Mary handle the transition of Jesus from her little boy to her Lord? Phil Ware continues his series on Mary the mother of Jesus called Window to Wonder talking about the transition of Jesus from Mary's little boy to her Lord.

"Dear Child of God, Glory? Glorious? "Gloria in Excelsis Deo"? It was not too glorious if you look at the place where My birth happened! I was placed..."

"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..."

Have you found the source of peace for every season? Tom Norvell describes Jesus as the only source of peace in any season.

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."

It's Been up There a long, long Time! Phil Ware writes about the Christmas star that actually began to shine many years before the Magi found it!

Christmas isn't over; it has only just begun if we recognize that it is our job, together, to be Jesus to the world! Phil Ware finishes his series on "Give Me Jesus" focusing on our role as his people to be his presence to the world.

The enduring legacy we want to leave at Christmas is our lasting trust in God to deliver us from darkness and to lead us into the grace of his goodness by being present with us in Jesus! Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in a virtual, DIY, worship through words and music using YouTube videos to call us to recognize God's great love that led Jesus to come to earth and live as one of us to save us and show us how to live.

It is hard to believe at Christmas, but there are those who do not love baby Jesus. Baby Jesus seems so sweet and lovable, but there are those that do not love him. And sometimes that even includes some of us.

Where have you declared King's X with Jesus? Phil Ware takes us back to Colossians 3 and challenges us to take a close look at the places where we do not allow Jesus to be Lord of our lives.

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.

How could it happen like this? Bill Sherrill reminds us that the manger and the promises given to Mary would make the Cross seem impossible to understand until the empty tomb and the resurrection brought back the praise the angels gave on the day he was born.

How are you doing on life's see-saw? We need to be balance in our lives -- physically, spiritually, and relationally.

God came to us in a way that all of us could find him, know him, and find our way home! This is part of a 4 part series on Jesus' birth called, "Give Me Jesus," and this one focuses on finding him now.

Christians have a different perspective on many things... including Christmas. Christmas is very difficult for many people. Is it really possible to find joy, peace, hope, and love this year.

Have you settled on simply staying put? We need to evaluate how we are growing and have a plan to continue to grow.

A different, staccato take on the whole event! Danny Sims gives us a staccato version of the birth of Jesus and the following narratives about His first trip to the Temple.

Do you like to keep Jesus in the manger? Sort of a Jesus lite. Don't Jesus did not stay a baby. He grew up and died on a cross for you. Do not leave him in the manger.

What happens when we give it all away? We give our heart away a little at a time to our children and grandchildren and when it is gone we go to Jesus.

What's going on here with our traditions? Rubel Shelly reminds us of what is most important and truthful and what is legend about the Christmas story.

There is yet hope So while the world around us tilts ever closer to self-destruction, and the choices being made offer harsh contradictions of almost horrible conclusions, our focus must be on God and His Son.

Does it ever feel like that we've reduced Christianity down to something less than Jesus wants us to experience? Phil Ware challenges our settled notions about church in the box and wants us to realize that Jesus has so much more in store for us if we will make the moves necessary to experience Jesus and his story for ourselves.

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.

"Dear Beloved, The Father loves you so much that He sent Me to your world to show you His love. The goal of God's love is your salvation —..."

The Holy Spirit gives birth to Lord in the heart of each new Christian and longs to bring that new follower of Christ to full maturity in Jesus. Phil Ware challenges us to enter the mystery of the conception and birth of Jesus the Messiah with Mary and find ourselves caught up in the story of Jesus with her.

Doesn't feel as if something is lacking in all the mess? Tom Norvell talks about a pre-Christmas trip to the place of insanity, the mall, and questions if they are missing something in the season.

What's it all about anyway? Most folks don't have a clue about the meaning of Christmas.

The Holy Spirit gives birth to Lord in the heart of each new Christian and longs to bring that new follower of Christ to full maturity in Jesus. Phil Ware challenges us to enter the mystery of the conception and birth of Jesus the Messiah with Mary and find ourselves caught up in the story of Jesus with her.

Christmas isn't over; it has only just begun if we recognize that it is our job, together, to be Jesus to the world! Phil Ware reminds us that Christmas isn't over, but now our role is to be Jesus' people, his presence, in our world.

What does this last glimpse of Mary teach us about Jesus and discipleship? Phil Ware finishes his series on the Windows to Wonder, on Mary the mother of Jesus, the Messiah, the Lord, and Savior, and reminds us that we can all be part of Jesus' forever family.

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.

The real message of Christmas is not baby Jesus. The Christmas message is not just that God's Son was born. It is that the baby grew up to die and save us from our sins.

So what are you collecting? Ron Rose reminds us to collect stories about God's fingerpints.

Christmas is a reflection of my life as a Christian. The things that make Christmas so special are available to the Christian all year long.

What child have you touched with Jesus' grace lately? Children are a blessing, a gift, and a responsibility: how we treat the least and most insignificant says a lot of how we would treat Jesus.

Do you have a long face? Bill Sherrill reminds us that the Christian life should be a life of joy.

The vast needs that spread wide before us? They are already in His hands. Melissa Troyer draws on her life of experiences with the vastness of our universe and her need and thanks God for always knowing and seeing and caring and planning for us.

Why do we fuss and fight over such a wonderful time? Christmas has unfortunately gotten so caught up in conflict that we lose sight of loving folks the way Jesus came to do.

Despite all the challenges, Mary and Joseph accepted their part in salvation's plan and their faith brought us God's gift of love, his beloved Son, Jesus! Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in a virtual, DIY, worship through words and music using YouTube videos to call us to recognize God's great love in sending Jesus, the joy Jesus' birth brings, and the truth that Jesus is with us and for us in this

Are we really willing to make Jesus the center of our life. Phil Ware reminds us that Jesus is the center of everything, our salvation, our time, our hope, but will we make Jesus the center of our lives?