Isaiah 9:6-7

For Reading and Meditation:     Isaiah 9:1-7

We continue meditating on the word "pure" as used by Jesus in His sixth Beatitude. I discovered when researching this theme that the word "catharsis" - meaning to cleanse or make pure - is derived from the same Greek root as the word "pure". In psychology, the word "catharsis" is used to describe the feeling of release...

For Reading and Meditation:     John 1:1-18

We continue meditating on the fact that the Christian faith is unique in that it is the Word not of a prophet but of the Son of God Himself. And when I refer to the Son of God I mean also God the Son. The Son is as much God as God Himself. One commentator says of the verse before us today: "If I were to put my finger on...

At the very outset, the mother of mankind was informed that she was also to be the mother of some wondrous being who would snatch the race from the condition incurred by sin. Prophet after prophet arose, spoke of this future personage, sighed for his advent and passed away. How astonished must the Hebrew readers of Isaiah have been at the description given by him of the coming man. A child, a son of man; given to us and of us; yet so wonderful in his nature that you may ascribe to him all...

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. § For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.“They shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” § Call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.All should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. God … has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name. § Far...

Christ … has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. § Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious. § God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow. § In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.If you love Me, keep My commandments. § The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. § The...

The house [that is] to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent, famous, and glorious throughout all countries. § The glory of the Lord … filled the Lord’s house.“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” … He was speaking of the temple of His body. §  What was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels. § The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,...

I know that You can do everything. § The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. § He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, “What have You done?” § There is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it? § Abba, Father, all things are possible for You.“Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Then He touched their...

I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me there is no savior. § There is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus. § There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.Mighty God. § Made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has...