Category Archives: Images

Photos of Creation

They Saw the Star

Matthew 2:10-11a and Rock Formations and Stars, Arches National Park, Utah.A star filled sky over Arches national Park with one star enhance to appear as the Christmas star. Visual Bible verse of the day Matthew chapter 2. filled sky over Arches national Park with one star enhance to appear as the Christmas star. Visual Bible verse of the day Matthew chapter 2.

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him.” Matthew 2:10-11a

A Star of Faithfulness and Worship

This passage and the whole of Matthew Chapter 2 remind me of a couple things to keep in mind this Christmas. The first one is God’s faithfulness.

Jesus being born in Bethlehem showed God’s faithfulness to His servant King David who died almost 1,000 years earlier. God promised David that the Messiah would be a descendent of his. And as promised, Jesus came from the lineage of David, and He was born in the city of David’s birth.

Secondly, the wiseman “fell to the ground and worshiped Him.” Again, praise God! This Christmas, let us follow the wisemen and fall before our Lord and worship Him. May we always worship Him in our hearts. Celebrate Jesus this Christmas. Amen.

“O little Town of Bethlehem”
Verses 1 and 2

“O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight

“For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And Peace to men on earth.”

*The photo was digital enhanced to highlight the center star.

The Rising “Sun of Righteousness”

Malachi 4:2, “Hark the Herald Angel Sing” and the Sun Rising Behind Aspen Trees in Rocky Mountain National Park.The Sun rising and shinning through yellow fall aspen trees in Rocky Mountain National Park. Bible Verse of the Day Malachi 4:2 and Sun of Righteousness

“But for you who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall.” Malachi 4:2

Christ, The Sun of Righteousness

The writers of the old Christmas hymns often used words rooted in Scripture. I cherish many of these carols and like “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” as my favorite. The lyrics are powerful. The word “Sun” in “Sun of Righteousness” in the song is not a misspelling meant to be “son”. It’s a quote from Malachi 4:2 referencing the second coming of Christ.

This verse in Malachi uses words to create a joyful image of Christ’s return. When Jesus returns, He returns not just as the son, but He returns bright like the rising sun. He will bring new life and healing in His wings. And His people will rejoice skipping like young calves!

Enjoy the rich doctrine of the third verse in “Hark the Herald Angel Sing” 

“Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
Risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give us second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
‘Glory to the new born King!’”

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In the Fullness of Time

Galatians 4:4-5, “O come, O come, Emmanuel” and Trees Covered in Snow, Fontenelle Forest.Trees covered in snow under a soft, dabbling light, Fontenelle Forest, Bellevue, Nebraska. Bible verse of the day, fullness of time. Galatians 4:4-5

“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons and daughters.” Galatians 4:4-5

Jesus Came in the Fullness of Time

The Bible tells us that in the fullness of time Christ came to redeem His people. He did not come too early, nor did He come too late. He came at the perfect time to redeem us.

All people, not just the ancient Jews, are subject to the law—the law of sin and death. At Christmas we celebrate Christ coming to earth to redeem us and to make us adoptive sons and daughters of God. And He came at the moment in time the Father meant Him to come.

O come, O come, Emmanuel (first  verse)
“O come, O come, Emmanuel”
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.”

Read more about the significance of the coming of Jesus in Galatians 4

Born to Make us Pure

Isaiah 43:25, O Holy Night and a Snow Covered Field, Sarpy County , Nebraska. “I am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” Isaiah 43:25 Christ Came to Make us … Continue reading →