“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, t..  Read More

IntroductionThe following is a guide to help facilitate discussion. Feel free to add, subtract, or change questions to fit the conversation, and pray for the Spirit to lead in all things.OPENCan you remember a risk that you have taken in your life that was scary, for whatever reason?  Share about what it was and how taking that risk impacted you.or…In light of the holidays, share about a present y...  Read More

Rome represented earthly power run by greed, and all that those things represent; selfishness and self-preservation, lust, jealousy, etc…. But Rome also represents the world we live in, where at every turn we “look out for number one” and do our best to have and be a little more than our neighbor.And yet, it is into this world that Jesus came, to show us a different way of living, a different kind...  Read More

For 14 years, I served as a campus chaplain at an Adventist University that was well known for sending student missionaries to serve around the world.  These students would take a year out of their collegiate career to teach elementary children in PohnPei, serve at an orphanage in Honduras, work on radio towers in far away lands so more people could have access to the good news of Jesus Christ.  W...  Read More

What can we take away from Herod’s role in the Christmas Adventure?I like Tim Keller’s reflections from his book, Hidden Christmas, he says, ”In every heart, then, there is a ’little King Herod’ that wants to rule and that is threatened by anything that may compromise its omnipotence and sovereignty. Each of us wants to be the captain of our own soul, the master of our own fate. There is a natural...  Read More

“Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religio...  Read More