“For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,” 2 Corinthians 8:3 (NIV) The Macedonians gave more than made sense. Paul watched them give everything they could reasonably…
“they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.” 2 Corinthians 8:4 (NIV) Something was backwards here. Paul was asking the Macedonians to give money to help others. Usually in fundraising, the…
“And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.” 2 Corinthians 8:5 (NIV) The Macedonians gave God what He wanted most. Paul was asking them…
“…so that you by his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9b (NIV) Christ’s poverty had a purpose. His descent from heaven wasn’t random or meaningless suffering. Paul tells us exactly why Jesus became poor for us. It was “so…
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor…” 2 Corinthians 8:9a (NIV) Jesus had everything. Before Bethlehem, before the manger, before Mary’s womb, Jesus possessed infinite…
“Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—I have come to do your will, my God.’… He sets aside the first to establish the second.” Hebrews 10:7, 9 (NIV) Not every Christmas feels merry and…
“And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Hebrews 10:10 (NIV) Christmas happened once, and it was enough. Jesus wasn’t born in Bethlehem multiple times. He didn’t…
“First he said, ‘Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them’—though they were offered in accordance with the law. Then he said, ‘Here I am, I have come to do…
“Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: ‘Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me.’” Hebrews 10:5 (NIV) The manger wasn’t just a nice Christmas decoration. It was the launching point of…
“Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—I have come to do your will, my God.’” Hebrews 10:7 (NIV) Christmas began with a “Yes.” Before angels sang and shepherds came, Jesus said yes to the…