Take a moment and read Matthew 1:18-2:12; Luke 2:1-20; and John 1:1-15.
There are two subjects presented in these verses: the virgin birth of Jesus Christ and His incarnation. The virgin birth is the miraculous act of God whereby Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit. The incarnation is the divine act of God whereby God in Christ Jesus was revealed to mankind in human flesh.
Read MoreThe last few weeks we have discussed the continual challenge we all face of balancing our relationships, work, and finding time to recharge the batteries and rest. We've been building up to this week. I want to look at our work and how we can become more effective in the time that we invest in our work.
Read MoreResearching the stories behind the Christian hymns of our faith for this month’s blogs has been a particular joy for me. Learning about the experiences that others came through that brought them to a closer walk with God is very uplifting. It is amazing how the Lord inspired them to put their experiences into musical form to inspire and encourage so many. The one that lifts me more than any other when I feel depressed, discouraged, or pondering some unwanted news is “Because He Lives,” by Bill and Gloria Gaither.
Read MoreIt was after a severe storm that Carl Gustof Boberg, a Swedish pastor, editor, and member of the Swedish parliament, was inspired to write a poem. As he looked over the clear bay he heard a church bell in the distance, and the words “How Great Thou Art,” began to ring in his mind.
Read MoreMusic has power to communicate, inspire, and to change. According to Don Campbell (founder of Institute for Music, Health and Education) music can communicate to us even when we’re not influenced by the words of a song. He says, “Music impacts physiology on a deep, basic level. The human heartbeat is especially attuned to sound-changes in tempo and volume act as natural pacemakers. Breathing slows down or speeds up along with the music.”
Read MoreUpon graduation from college my wife’s first job was working as a music therapist at a state hospital in Tennessee. Along with the medications given to patients to help them to be as normal as possible, music that she would play for them also played a part in keeping them calm.
Read More