Tag Archives: Christmas

A New Covenant

Posted on December 23, 2016 by Don Merritt

Jeremiah 31:31-37 Jeremiah has set out a picture of trouble ahead. He has cited curse after curse from the Old Covenant that God will invoke against Israel and Judah because of their unbelief that resulted in broken commands. In chapters … Continue reading →

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Jesus Visits the Temple

Posted on December 23, 2016 by Don Merritt

Luke 2:41-52 This is the only story we have about Jesus between His infancy and the beginning of His ministry roughly at age 30. Of course there are theories and tales galore, but this is the only reliable record of … Continue reading →

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The Most Graphic Messianic Prophecy

Posted on December 22, 2016 by Don Merritt

The 22nd Psalm is often left out of Messianic prophecies, yet it is stark and graphic in its fulfillment. This is Jesus on the cross completing the mission for which He was sent to earth, for it describes how He … Continue reading →

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Jesus is Presented at the Temple

Posted on December 22, 2016 by Don Merritt

Luke 2:22-40 The Law of Moses required that a male child be circumcised on the eighth day and so Mary and Joseph left Bethlehem and traveled the few miles to Jerusalem for this purpose.  In fact, Luke mentions three ceremonies … Continue reading →

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Jesus IS Born

Posted on December 22, 2016 by Don Merritt

Luke 2:1-21 In due course the time came for Mary to give birth to her son; they named him Jesus, just as the angel had told them. There really is no point in my retelling of the story since it … Continue reading →

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Photo of the Week: December 21, 2016

Posted on December 21, 2016 by Don Merritt
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Zechariah’s Song

Posted on December 21, 2016 by Don Merritt

Luke 1:67-80 At some point after Mary’s song, it was Zechariah’s turn. His was a prophetic song and though it was primarily about his son, it also included elemental references to the Messiah he would serve… And you, my child, … Continue reading →

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Mary Sees Elizabeth

Posted on December 20, 2016 by Don Merritt

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the … Continue reading →

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Mary has a Visitor

Posted on December 20, 2016 by Don Merritt

Luke 1:26-38 Six months after Elizabeth became pregnant; the angel Gabriel pays a visit to Mary in Nazareth: “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Have you ever read legal notices in the newspaper? Years ago … Continue reading →

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The Birth of John is Foretold

Posted on December 19, 2016 by Don Merritt

Luke 1:5-25 Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth were old and well beyond child bearing; they had no children and no hope of ever having children. He was a priest at the Temple, and she was something of a disgrace for … Continue reading →

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