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Magi – The Gift of the Journey
Journey of the Wisemen by Trijsten Leach During my childhood, Nana had a heartwarming tradition. Once the house was decorated for Christmas and the nativity scene was up, she would playfully move the wise men (Magi) around the house until Christmas Day, when they...
Magi – Wise Worshippers
Three Kings, 1949 by Edmund Lewandowski (American, 1914-1998) Reflecting on the Christmas story, particularly the account of the wise men, initially seemed relatively straightforward. These intelligent individuals arrived at the manger, guided by an unusual star,...
Shepherds – The Gift of Presence
That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be...
Shepherds – The gift of priority
Seeing Shepherds by Daniel Bonnell It was nighttime in the hills outside of Bethlehem. The shepherds were hard at work keeping their flocks safe. You could hear the sheep bleating occasionally and the breeze across the fields. As they watched over the flock, talking...
Joseph – The Stepfather of Jesus
St Joseph and the Christ Child in the Carpentry Workshop, by Pietro Annigoni 1963 at Church of San Lorenzo, Firenze © Christian Art Today Joseph, the earthly stepfather of Jesus, is a misunderstood and unappreciated hero of the New Testament and the earthly father of...
Joseph – Quiet Strength & Commitment
The Holy Family - Artist Unknown The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit. So her husband, Joseph, being a righteous man, and...
Mary – Joy in Giving
Mary Sings to Jesus, by Mike Moyers, Digital Illustration For Rejoice! Advent Meditations with MaryBy Ascension Press © Mike Moyers 2019 “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to...
Mary – The Mother of Jesus
Mother and Child, by Mike Moyers, Digital Illustration For Rejoice!, An Advent Pilgrimage Into the Heart of Scripture - Year ABy Ascension Press © Mike Moyers 2022 When we contemplate Jesus, we recognize Him as God's Son—the most significant person ever born on Earth....
Thanksgiving: The Risk and Reward
It's Thanksgiving season – a time that extends beyond just one day for me. Until the quiet moments of Thanksgiving Night, November constitutes the Thanksgiving season in my heart. While many adore the holiday for its delicious feasts, my affection for Thanksgiving...
Good News! For God’s Glory!
GOOD NEWS! The Gospel brings salvation. The Gospel is for everyone who believes. The Gospel is lived by faith. The Gospel is the power of God. Last Sunday, we discussed our faith as Christians, highlighting what distinguishes us from other major world...
All Saints Day
You might start your day with a Reese's cup at breakfast, have a Snickers at lunch, enjoy some Peanut M&Ms to combat the afternoon slump, and finish with a couple of Sour Patch Kids after dinner. This day, and perhaps this week, you might indulge in more "treats"...
The Best Resolution I Accidently Made
"You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 3:15 It was the first Sunday of the year. I had just turned 12 a few weeks earlier. I remember...