The Year Ahead - James 4:13-17

 Last year at Christmas we had no idea what was going to happen in just a few short months. The COVID pandemic changed everything. Beyond sickness and death it caused economic upheaval, isolation and social strife. Many people were (are) concerned about who is to blame - whether masks help or hinder - if the government can impose restrictions on people's freedoms - and so on...

But much of the upset is due to the prevailing mindset that says everything can be managed, controlled, cured, prevented or fixed by human ingenuity. We are the masters of our own fate!

God has a different view.

The Christmas Message!

Christmas is loaded with traditions and traditional activities. There are lights and trees and gifts. There are carols and cards and cookies. But in the busy-ness of the season, be careful not to lose the most important thing about Christmas - the Christmas Message. "Unto you is born... a Savior who is Christ, the Lord."

Things have never been the same! God has become a man to rescue us from our sins.

Mary & Gabriel

 Luke is the gospel that contains the most detailed information about the virgin birth of Christ. Luke evidently was able to interview Mary and get her perspective on things. He includes not just what happened, but also her perspective on these things.

The virgin birth - foretold by the angel Gabriel - was to be the means by which God became a man. In this way he brought salvation and eternal life to all who would call upon him.