Articles for tag: Shepherds

December 12, 2014

Make a Christmas Memory

By Diane Stortz Long before digital photos and decorative paper backgrounds, Mary made the first Christmas scrapbook””in her heart. When Bethlehem”s shepherds heard the astounding news that the Messiah had been born, they left their sheep and hurried into the village to see him. They found Mary and Joseph and with them the baby, snuggly wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough””just as the angel had told them. Luke says they “told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds” story were astonished, but Mary

December 16, 2013

Christian Standard

Bible Study Theology & Bible

Lesson for December 22, 2013: Jesus Is Born (Luke 2:1-20)

This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone Of the four Gospel writers,Â Luke is the one who gives the historicalÂ details and setting of Jesus”Â birth. With careful research andÂ guided by the Holy Spirit”s inspiration,Â he records the wonderful newsÂ of Christ”s birth and how those whoÂ first heard about it were called toÂ rejoice. No doubt Luke interviewedÂ Mary, Jesus” mother, in preparing toÂ write it (Luke 1:3; 2:19). The Baby”s Birth Luke 2:1-7 Caesar Augustus issued a decree thatÂ a census should be taken of the entireÂ Roman world. The Romans were

December 23, 2011

Tony Wood

Devotionals

Surprise to Surrender

Mary, Elizabeth, the shepherds, and the Magi each faced the unexpected surrounding Jesus’ birth. Their responses reveal a Christmas lesson about allowing surprise to become surrender.

December 20, 2009

Alan Ahlgrim

Devotionals

Living with Expectancy

Alan Ahlgrim reflects on Christmas, expectancy, and the light of Christ, reminding readers that God’s greatest gift is not always what we expected, but the Savior we need.

December 5, 2007

Mark A. Taylor

Culture & Public Square

Holly, Jolly, and Holy?

A church Christmas pageant blends cultural cheer with the story of Jesus’ birth. Mark A. Taylor reflects on balancing harmless holiday fun with a clear gospel message in a season shaped by commerce.

December 24, 2006

Mark Scott

Devotionals

The Insignificant in Christmas

Mark Scott reflects on Luke’s Christmas narrative, showing how God fills ordinary places, people, and events with profound meaning. From Bethlehem’s fields to the shepherds’ surprise, Christmas announces good news for outsiders, too.

December 24, 2006

Jackina Stark

Worship & Prayer Worship

O Come Let Us Adore Him

Christmas busyness can easily crowd out what matters most. Jackina Stark reflects on the first worshipers of Christ and invites Christians to adore him through praise, giving, obedience, and reverence.

December 25, 2005

Tom Lawson

Devotionals

Once Upon a Time in Bethlehem

In this imaginative Christmas retelling, Mary fears she has ruined God’s plan—until shepherds arrive with news of angels, glory, and a sign in Bethlehem. Regret gives way to wonder as joy breaks through the stable’s door.