Seasonal
The hidden centre of Christmas (Matt 2:19–23)
In this season of Advent, I am reflecting on the prophecies that Matthew cites in telling about Jesus’s birth. Matt 2:19-23 As Christmas approaches, Santa parades, images of Father Christmas, of reindeers and snow abound (rather incongruous in New Zealand…
Hope in tragedy (Jer 31:15; Matt 2:16-18)
In this season of Advent, I am reflecting on the prophecies that Matthew cites in telling about Jesus’s birth. Jer 31:15; Matt 2:16-18 Christmas is meant to be a season of joy, but instead of the most wonderful time of…
God’s true Son (Matt 2:13-15; Hos 11:1)
In this season of Advent, I am reflecting on the prophecies that Matthew cites in telling about Jesus’s birth. Matt 2:13-15; Hos 11:1 One Christmas on returning home after a semester of theological study, I felt particularly vulnerable. I can’t…
A God of surprises (Mic 5:2 and Matt 2:1-6)
In this season of Advent, I am reflecting on the prophecies that Matthew cites in telling about Jesus’s birth. Mic 5:2; Matt 2:1-6 During my time at Bible college (seminary for US readers), a classmate was planning a summer placement…
God with us – part II (Matt 1:18-25 and Isa 7)
In this season of Advent, I am reflecting on the prophecies that Matthew cites in telling about Jesus’s birth. Matt 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:1-25 In my last post, I explored the story of Ahaz and the choice he had between entrusting…
God with us – part I (Isa 7:1-16; Matt 1:22-23)
In this season of Advent, I am reflecting on the prophecies that Matthew cites in telling about Jesus’s birth. Isa 7:1-16; Matt 1:22-23 As Christmas approaches, we often find ourselves torn between wanting to prepare for the season spiritually but…