Tag Archives: encouragement

John’s Early Days

Posted on December 16, 2025 by Don Merritt

H. Early Life of John the Baptist  Luke 1:57-80 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 … Continue reading →

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For Unto us a Child is Born

Posted on December 15, 2025 by Don Merritt

Isaiah 9:1-7 There is so much that goes on this time of year, so many distractions, so many little traditions that we find ourselves going through, sometimes without even thinking about what we are doing. Yet the birth of Christ, … Continue reading →

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Elizabeth Has a Visitor

Posted on December 15, 2025 by Don Merritt

G.  Mary Visits Elizabeth Luke 1:39-56 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, … Continue reading →

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Mary Gets Some Big News

Posted on December 13, 2025 by Don Merritt

F. Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus  Luke 1:26-38 NAZERETH 5 BC  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 … Continue reading →

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It’s Christmas Time Again…

Posted on December 12, 2025 by Don Merritt

…so it’s time to get ready! I thought that I should write some posts for the occasion this year, and what better way to get started than a short review of Matthew chapter 6? Oh yes, that’s right, this is … Continue reading →

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Preparing the Way

Posted on December 12, 2025 by Don Merritt

E. Annunciation of the Rise of John the Baptist  Luke 1:5-25 JERUSALEM Around 6 BC 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 … Continue reading →

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Luke’s Genealogy

Posted on December 11, 2025 by Don Merritt

D. The Genealogy of Jesus   Luke 3:23-38 In contrast to Matthew’s much larger description of Jesus’ baptism, Luke moves right to the result of the baptism. Jesus was baptized and prayed, and when He did the heavens opened, the Spirit … Continue reading →

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Glory!

Posted on December 10, 2025 by Don Merritt

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”  Like 2:14 Thus sang the host of angels the night that Jesus was born in Bethlehem.  The shepherds who witnessed this were dumbstruck. … Continue reading →

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Matthew’s Genealogy of Jesus

Posted on December 10, 2025 by Don Merritt

C. The Last Part Matthew continues his genealogy as he moves from the first group of 14 names to the next. The first group culminates in King David, that glorious figure who is “a man after God’s own heart”, with … Continue reading →

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The Third Christmas Lesson

Posted on December 9, 2025 by Don Merritt

This is a Christmas carol that contains the essence of the yearning of a people for a savior.  “O Come, O Come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel” Hold on, wait!  Ransom…? Yes, Ransom. Israel was in slavery to sin; so were we.  Being held captive to … Continue reading →

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