Tag Archives: Devotional

The True Vine

Posted on December 24, 2016 by Don Merritt

John 15:1-17 In this section Jesus uses the analogy of a vine. In those times, wine making was a hugely important undertaking; one that most people would know something about. It involves a great deal of pruning in order to … 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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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’s Song

Posted on December 21, 2016 by Don Merritt

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord      and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,  for he has been mindful     of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,     for the Mighty … 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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O Come, O Come… for a Monday Morning

Posted on December 19, 2016 by Don Merritt

Here’s a great video and a wonderful song to start off the last week before Christmas. I hope it gets your week off to a great start!

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Visions of Christmas Present

Posted on December 16, 2016 by Don Merritt

To me, Christmas today seems way too complicated.  Of course, if I could visit another era, it may be just the same…  Who really knows for sure? Christmas, and here I really mean the Christmas season, seems complicated because it … Continue reading →

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Father Abraham: The Ultimate Test

Posted on December 15, 2016 by Don Merritt

Genesis 22:1-19 Everyone knows this story, and I’m sure you don’t need me to retell it: God told Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a burnt offering to God, and Abraham obeyed God’s instructions. At the last moment God … Continue reading →

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