Matthew 1:18-23; Matthew 2:10-12; Luke 2:8-11 It is said that George Frederick Handel composedhis amazing musical The Messiah in approximatelythree weeks. It was apparently done at a timewhen his eyesight was failing and when he wasfacing the possibility of being imprisoned becauseof outstanding bills. Handel however kept writingin the midst of these challenges till themasterpiece,…

Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2:11-14, Ephesians 2:13-17 There once lived a very wealthy man who was willing topay a small fortune to the artist who could best illustratethe presence of peace. Several artists brought paintingsof sunsets and quiet meadows, but the man did notaccept any of these. One day as he was walking throughlooking at the…

Isaiah 9:1-6, Luke 2:8-14 A number of years ago researchers performed anexperiment to see the effect hope has on thoseundergoing hardship. Two sets of laboratory ratswere placed in separate tubs of water.The researchers left one set in the water and foundthat within an hour they had all drowned.The other rats were periodically lifted out of…

2 Corinthians 6:4-7 The Perfect Preacher : After hundreds of years, onehas been found! A model preacher preaches 20minutes and sits down. He condemns sin but neverhurts anyone’s feelings.He works from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. in every type ofwork from preaching to custodial service.He makes $60 a week, wears good clothes, buysgood books regularly,…

2 Corinthians 6:1-3 There were three sons who got together to talkabout the gifts they bought their mother. The 1stson said,“I bought mom a big house”. The 2nd onesaid, “I bought her a fancy car”. The 3rd son said,“Since mom loves to read the bible but now shecan’t see, I bought her a trained parrot…

2 Corinthians 5:16-21 A fellow was walking along a country road when hecame upon a farmer working in his field. The mancalled out to the farmer, “How long will it take meto get to the next town?” The farmer didn’t answer. The guy waited a bit andthen started walking again. After the man had goneabout…

2 Corinthians 5:11-16 This may come as a surprise to those of you notliving in Las Vegas but there are more Catholicchurches than casinos. Not surprisingly, some worshipers at Sundayservices will give casino chips rather than cashwhen the basket is passed. Since they get chips from many different casinos,the churches have devised a method to…

2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10 I just read a long scholarly article that comparesthe different versions of the Bible.Turns out there is a lot of Cross referencing. A man was at a gas station. He fills up his car butspills some of the gas on his arm as he puts the pumpaway. He pays and leaves. As…