Someone might like to argue that the gospels never contradict one another. Some could argue that they do. But, as a parent listening to the different voices of my children, I understand that contradiction doesn’t necessarily make one story more true than the other. It is about perspective…beautiful, rich, contextual perspective. It just tells us something about the teller…the contradictions, among the gospels and among our own lives, tell us as much about these humans that are desperate for a Savior as much as it tells us about the Savior Himself.

He will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.  Luke 1:32-33

 There are several Mary’s mentioned in the New Testament. Perhaps I am the only one that finds this peculiar. But there is Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:27); Mary Magdalene (Luke 8:2); Mary of Bethany, the sister of Lazarus (Luke 10:38-42); Mary the mother of James and John (Matthew 27:55-61);  Mary the mother of John Mark (Acts 12:12); and Mary of Rome (Romans 16:6). That makes six altogether. 

The Shepards returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
                                                                                                                                                                               Luke 2:20

Prince of Peace

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.  He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.  The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.  ISAIAH 9:6-7

Because you see, I look back, and I know, I recognize, that the seasons…they have never failed me. EVER. Perfect? Never. But, failed me? No way.

When I arrived at the airport today I quickly overheard the attendants at the check-in counter saying a flight was delayed. I walked up to the counter to check if they were talking about my flight and in fact they were.  The delay was for an hour and twenty minutes. That was a bummer but not too long of a wait.  I proceeded to security, passed through it, and then sat down in the terminal only to hear that my flight was now delayed three hours and twenty minutes. 

This is doubtless the most prosperous generation in history. Likewise, today's church is prosperous. We have the finest buildings, facilities, programs, training, music, etc.

The only way to accomplish this is to open yourself up by pulling off the old wine skin cover that you have covered yourself in and pour in an abundance of God's grace.

Do we pursue unity in the Body?