Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For the Mighty One is holy, and He has done great things for me. ~ Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:46-47, Luke 1:49) Worship is the single most powerful force in completing and sustaining restoration in the whole person.…
Welcome to Because of Bethlehem Week One!
The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. — John 1:14 MSG The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come. — Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Welcome OBS friends, new…
We Live Between the Advents
We live between the Advents. The Second Advent will include the sudden, personal, visible, bodily return of Christ. Jesus promised, “I will come again” (John 14:3 RSV). The author of Hebrews declared, “Christ . . . will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting…
Because of Bethlehem: God Has a Face
The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. — John 1:14 MSG The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come. — Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Christmas Sermons Video: God…
Our Advent 2021 Must Haves
Editor’s Note: Has there ever been a more appropriate year to celebrate the incarnation of the King of Glory? Or more of a need? We’ve curated our favorite books for the season just for you AND receive free shipping in the FaithGateway Store! These are books to enjoy year after year, and they make great…
You’re Invited to the Because of Bethlehem Online Bible Study
Believe it or not, Christmas is right around the corner! This year, we’re anticipating it all: the Christmas choir rehearsals, family photos all decked out in red plaid, the trip to the Christmas tree farm, dinners and caroling with relatives and friends, roast beef feasts, peppermint mochas, Grandmother’s walnut fudge, and hugs! Bring it all…
God Guides the Wise
Holiday time is highway time. Ever since the magi packed their bags for Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus has caused people to hit the road. Our Christmas trips have a lot in common with the one of the wise men. We don’t camp with camels, but we have been known to bump into a knobby-kneed…
Worship Works Wonders
Christmas and gift giving. The two have always been associated with each other for good reason. The magi gave Jesus the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The shepherds gave Jesus the gift of their time and belief. Mary gave Jesus the gift of her womb. The offerings seem practical. The wise men’s treasures could…
Humility Shines
Most of the players in the Christmas drama inspire us with their faith. Mary, who had great courage. Joseph, who was obedient. The shepherds, who came quickly and worshipped willingly. The wise men, who traveled far and gave generously. Most of the characters in the Bethlehem drama behaved like heroes. But there was one who…
God Is Still On His Throne: My Prediction for November 9th
We are really ready for this presidential election to be over. We’re ready for an end to the rancor and tackiness. Voters on both sides feel frustrated, even embarrassed by it all. There is a visceral fear, an angst about the result. What if so and so wins? When we wake up to November 9, post-election, when…