“Ponder… with Mary” – Luke 2:19 Introduction: From self-centered to philanthropist Many of you, I’m sure, will remember the classic 1993 movie “Groundhog Day” starring Bill Murray and Andie McDowell. On February 1, self-centered and sour TV meteorologist Phil Connors, along with news producer Rita and a cameraman, travel from...

“Praise… with Elizabeth” – Luke 1:39-45 Introduction: A long, dark hallway “Daddy?” A little child touched his father’s forehead. The dad opened his eyes, fixed on the digital clock by his bed. It read 1:45. That would be a.m. “Yeah, son.” “I need to go to the bathroom.” “Fine, Pal....

“Prepare… with John” – Luke 3:1-16 1.Unprepared for bullies Nadin Khoury was thirteen years old, five foot two and weighed – soaking wet – one-hundred pounds. Nadin and his family escaped war-torn Liberia. Once in America, his family settled in Philadelphia. In 2011, Nadin Khoury was a new kid in...

“Pray… with Zechariah” – Luke 1:5-25 Introduction: Family Life In the first year of their marriage, when his wife became sick with a fever, her husband insisted, “I’m taking you to the hospital for a complete checkup.” What a caring and compassionate man! In the second year of their marriage,...

Our weekly encouragement message today comes from an unlikely source. The message today is from Martin Luther’s lectures on the book of Zechariah from 1526 – so almost 500 years ago and he writes this about just the phrase: “Thus says the Lord of hosts.” Luther writes: “The prophets and...