Nativity Insights

Posted on December 17, 2025 by Arrow

Below are some interesting insights regarding the circumstances and cultural setting of Jesus’ birth. [From Kristi McLelland’s Luke in the Land Bible study.]

  • The journey Mary and Joseph took from Nazareth to Bethlehem was 94 miles.
  • Their trip was most likely on foot, not on a donkey, since Mary and Joseph couldn’t even afford a lamb for Jesus’ dedication at the temple.
  • The couple would have traveled with a caravan for safety.
  • Bethlehem was a village of a few hundred people, many related and descendants of King David. Therefore, family members may have been around or nearby for Jesus’ birth.
  • A typical house had two rooms and was built above a cave. A larger room was for eating and sleeping together. A second room was smaller and used as a guest room.
  • Families brought their animals in at night to protect them. They were their assets.
  • When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, it seems all guest rooms were taken. They probably found privacy in a cave with animals.

Where to find the First Christmas story:

  • Luke 1:26-38 The angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary and her response is followed with her visit to her relative, Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-45).
  • Matthew 1:18-25 tells how Mary and Joseph each learned they would become the “parents” of Jesus.
  • Luke 2:1-7 relates the couple’s trip to Bethlehem and Jesus’ birth, followed by the angel’s announcement to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-20).
  • Matthew 2:1-12 recounts the story of the magi or wisemen visiting Jesus in a house when He was a toddler. After a long journey, the magi arrived about two years after they initially saw the star which they believed to be a sign that a king had been born.

Be encouraged, friends. “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given” (Isaiah 9:6a).

Praising God for His greatest gift ever and wishing you a blessed Christmas!

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Wearing God’s Armor … Even at Night

Posted on December 10, 2025 by Arrow

I admit, sometimes I wake up at night with my brain stressing over problems or upcoming tasks and events.

It helps to pray or recite memory verses or worship songs. These give my brain something different to focus on.

But early this morning, I wondered if the armor of God could help? Ephesians 6:11 instructs believers, “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Paul goes on to clarify our real struggles are against spiritual forces of evil (Eph. 6:12). Then he lists the armor we are to put on:

  • Belt of Truth ~ We need to make sure our words and thoughts are true. We shouldn’t allow our imagination to dream up scenarios that may never happen.
  • Breastplate of Righteousness ~ Believers are forgiven and seen as righteous in God’s eyes. Let’s not dwell on past sin. That said, sometimes, we need to do a heart check. Are we living right? Is God’s Spirit awaking us to sin we need to deal with?
  • Footgear of Peace ~ When living in God’s peace, we have the support and protection we need, and with the Spirit’s help, we can spread the gospel.
  • Shield of Faith ~ Our faith protects us from the flaming arrows (lies and distractions) from the evil one. This is where we choose to trust in and rely on God.
  • Helmet of Salvation ~ God protects and transforms our mind so we become more like Jesus.
  • Sword of the Spirit ~ The Word of God is our one offensive weapon. May we meditate on and memorize Scripture in order to be ready to counter Satan’s lies.

So, in addition to our PJs, I think we’d best wear our armor, even at night.

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Miracles ONLY the Messiah Could Perform

Posted on December 3, 2025 by Arrow

I love learning something new! I read the following information in a Bible study called Luke in the Land by Kristi McLelland. Kristi credited Ron Mosely, author of Yeshua: A Guide to the Real Jesus and the Original Church for this teaching. Apparently, she also felt the need to share.

We know from Scripture and other ancient documents that Jesus was not the only one performing miracles in the first century. Some could heal the sick. Others drove out demons (Matthew 12:27). But there were some miracles only the Messiah, Jesus, could demonstrate. These four miracles became known as messianic miracles.

  • The healing of leprosy, a disease that affects the skin, eyes, nose, and nerves, was unheard of in Jesus’ day. Luke 5:12-14 describes the healing of one leper and Luke 17:11-19 records Jesus healing a group of ten lepers.
    This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
    • Jesus also had the ability to drive out mute demons. Mark 9:17-29 tells how even Jesus’ disciples were unable to rid this type of demon from a boy.
    • In John 9:1-11 we find Jesus healing the blind, something no one else had ever done! There are at least four different accountings of Jesus healing the blind.
    • Finally, Jesus raised the dead. John 11:39 says Lazarus had been dead for four days when he walked out of the tomb. At the time, many Jews believed the soul remained near the body for three days hoping for life to return. After all hope was gone, Jesus proved He was the Messiah by raising Lazarus.

    Jesus fulfilled messianic prophecies like those found in Isaiah 35:5-6, and He explained, “But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you” (Luke 11:20).

    The evidence speaks. Jesus—God in flesh, the Messiah—came!

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    What Was Jesus Thankful For?

    Posted on November 26, 2025 by Arrow

    It’s Thanksgiving week! When searching for verses regarding thanks, we typically turn to the book of Psalms. David and others wrote beautiful songs of thanksgiving to God. (For examples, see Psalms 100, 103, 136, and 95:1-7.)

    In the gospels, we find those who had been healed (or their parents) thanking Jesus for their miracle.

    But can we also find instances where Jesus gave thanks? Here are a few I found:

    • Jesus readies to feed the crowd of 5000 men, plus women and children. “Then [Jesus] took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people” (Matthew 15:36).

    I love that Jesus gave thanks before the food was multiplied. We can also be thankful for the little things, expecting God to do something great!

    • In the midst of Jesus’ teachings, He prayed, “Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. You’ve concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people” (Matthew 11:25 MSG).

    Religious leaders were blinded and stuck in their traditions while the uneducated and regular folk believed through faith. Today, may Jesus’ faithful followers be thankful for the understanding God has provided.

    • Just before Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He “looked up and said, ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard me” (John 11:41 NIV).

    Again, it is interesting to note that Jesus gives thanks before the miracle. And God always heard His Son’s prayers just like He hears ours.

    It’s eye-opening to see Jesus giving thanks to His Father for whatever God was doing throughout His day. What a great example to follow!

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    Can Jesus Relate?

    Posted on November 19, 2025 by Arrow

    Sometimes I’m afraid we picture Jesus on His throne in heaven seated next to the Heavenly Father and think, “How can He possibly relate to what I’m going through?”

    This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

    Remember, Jesus was God in the flesh. He experienced all the things humans experience. Joy, pain, laughter, grief, exhaustion, anger, injustice, and more.

    Was Jesus ever frustrated? Let’s see.

    In Matthew, Jesus vents to His disciples with, “You of little faith, . . . Do you still not understand?” (Matthew 16:8-9a). Or how about when His inner circle of disciples kept falling asleep when Jesus asked them to watch and pray the night of His arrest?

    Think how the crowds and religious leaders responded to Jesus’ miracles and teachings. He was criticized, cut down, and called names. The teachers of the law said Jesus was “possessed by Beelzebub”, the prince of demons (Mark 3:22). The hypocritical Pharisees tried to correct and trap Jesus as they wrongly interpreted God’s Word. Even His own family said, “He is out of his mind” (Mark 3:21b).

    And with all the evidence of Jesus’ miracles among the masses, the healings, multiplying of food, and raising the dead, most still did not believe!

    Yes. Jesus can relate to us.

    Hebrews 4:15 portrays Jesus this way: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.”

    Be assured that in our struggles, Jesus can relate. He has compassion and can empathize with us. Therefore, He is the One we turn to for peace and comfort in the midst of chaos. After all, He turned chaos into creation! (Genesis 1)

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    Stay the Course

    Posted on November 12, 2025 by Arrow

    I’ve mentioned this before, but I’ll say it again. I love fishing! Over the years, we have found “our spot” to catch fish.

    The problem is “our spot” can be windy at times. The goal to stay in “our spot” can be difficult to maintain. The anchors provided in the rental boat are not very heavy and even with both anchors down, we can slowly be blown across the lake.

    The same thing happens in our spiritual life. The goal of staying on course is challenging. Temptations come to blow us off track. We give in to peer or worldly pressures. Priorities get out of whack.

    Time to remind ourselves again about our goal. John 14:21 says, “The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and reveal myself to him” (CSB).

    When I’m sitting in that boat, focused on my line, it may take a while before I notice I have drifted away from my spot. There I sit, no fish biting, not catching anything. No reward! When I finally look up and look around, I see why. I am off course.

    How do we stay the course in our spiritual lives? First, we need to be in God’s Word. The Bible is “our spot” to find daily bread, food that feeds our soul and provides direction or redirection when we get off course.

    We also need fellow believers who will point out when we are off track. We need to be plugged into a church, a body of believers, and meet with them regularly.

    Finally, we need to be talking to and listening to our heavenly Father, whose Spirit will lead us.

    And what a reward! To be led and loved by the Father!

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    Do What You Do

    Posted on November 5, 2025 by Arrow

    It is wonderful to see God’s people stepping up and meeting a need in an area in which they have been especially gifted. Our church recently had a family worship night in which the kids and their leaders led us in the songs they sing in children’s worship. To see those passionate adults jumping with joy with the kiddos was a treat!

    Some people flourish in behind-the-scenes service. Some are gifted to lead large groups. Others one-on-one or small groups.

    The church, or body of Christ, needs everyone. Without you, some need remains unmet. The apostle Paul wrote, “[S]o in Christ we who are many form one body . . . We have different gifts, according to the grace given us” (Romans 12:5-6a). Then Paul provides a partial list of gifts: prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, contributing or giving to those in need, leading, and showing mercy.

    In another letter to the churches, Paul wrote, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). He mentions a few more gifts: workers of miracles and healings, those able to help others, administering, and speaking in tongues. And this is still not a complete list. There are many ways to serve in the church.

    To identify your giftedness, ask, what am I passionate about? Is there a way I can use my talent in serving the Lord? What need do I see within my local church that is not being met? Sometimes God opens our eyes to a need that no one else sees.

    Pray about it. Try out an area in which you can serve and go from there. Simply put, do what you do.

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    Afraid, Yet Joyful

    Posted on October 29, 2025 by Arrow

    Afraid . . . yet joyful. Who would this describe? A newly engaged couple? A mom-to-be? A student, on their first day of school? You, at a new job?

    This unique blend of descriptors is actually found in Matthew 28:8. “So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.”

    The backdrop was the Sunday after Jesus’ crucifixion. Some of Jesus’ female followers went to the tomb to anoint His body with spices as was the custom. Imagine their surprise seeing the stone blocking the entrance moved aside and hearing an angel!

    After the typical angel greeting, “Do not be afraid” (Matthew 28:5), they were given four directives. “Come and see the place where [Jesus] lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead” (Matthew 28:6b-7a).

    Come. See. Go. Tell.

    And the women did. They cautiously came closer and peeked into the tomb. No Jesus. It didn’t make sense. They couldn’t comprehend the whole “risen from the dead” piece but still, the ladies took steps to do what the angel instructed.

    In fact, Mark records “Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb” too afraid to speak to anyone until they reached the disciples (Mark 16:8).

    Then when those fearful, yet joyful, women shared the angel’s news, the disciples did not believe them.

    But the gals had done what they’d been told to do. Even as they were filled with fear, questions, and doubts. They came. They saw. They went. And they told. (Note, they were not responsible for how others responded to the news.)

    May we follow their example, not allowing fear, questions, and doubts to prevent us from celebrating and sharing the Good News. Jesus is alive!

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    God Is Present and Working

    Posted on October 22, 2025 by Arrow

    I was enjoying my early morning walk. All was quiet. A few clouds reflected the sun that would soon peak over the horizon. A beautiful sight.

    Then I noticed what was missing. For the last few mornings, I could see the waning sliver of a moon smiling down on me. But not today.

    I knew I could not see the moon because my view was blocked by clouds. It wasn’t that the moon had disappeared. No, the moon was most assuredly present. Just not within my view . . . at that moment.

    This was a great reminder. God, like the moon that morning, was and is present. When I can’t see evidence of God active in my life, it doesn’t mean He is not present or not working.

    That’s what faith is all about, right? I like to pair these verses:

    • “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). We believe one hundred percent in God, His Presence, His love, and His sovereignty or ruling power over creation.
    • “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). We go to the Father in prayer because we believe that He exists and blesses those who follow His will.

    Before my morning was over, the moon slid into sight. Of course, it had been there all along.

    Likewise, be assured, my friend. God is present and He is working. One of these days, He will reveal what He has been doing in our life and we will be confident that He has been there all along, weaving together just the right details.

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    On Duty

    Posted on October 15, 2025 by Arrow

    The phrase “on duty” may conjure up images of police officers and medical workers, or, if you have a swimming pool, it may describe your designated lifeguard.

    This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

    In John 18, we find “the girl on duty”, one of whom I had never paid much attention.

    The scene occurs after Jesus was arrested and taken to the house of Caiaphas, the high priest. Jesus’ disciple, John, was allowed in the courtyard. Peter, however, was forced to wait outside until John “…came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in” (John 18:16b).

    She is also referred to as “the girl at the door” (John 18:17) and a servant.  

    Apparently, her “duty” was to watch the entrance to the high priest’s courtyard. She would have been aware of who was coming and going. Perhaps, she even saw a bound Jesus brought in by the temple guard.

    Then she saw Peter and asked, “You are not one of his disciples, are you?” (John 18:17). We know Peter’s response becomes the first of his three denials of knowing Jesus.

    But, what can me observe about “the girl on duty”?

    • First, she was there, “on duty”, doing what she was expected to do.
    • Being “on duty” brought her blessing. She may have seen Jesus, the Messiah, and was at the location of where His religious trials took place.
    • She saw and spoke with Peter, thus becoming part of a prophecy spoken by Jesus Himself regarding Peter’s denials (John 13:38).

    What can we learn from this girl?

    Like her, may we be “on duty”, doing the work God has called us to do and using the gifts and resources He has blessed us with. We never know how God will use us to move His plans forward.

    For progress and joy in the faith,

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