Matthew 2:1

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem

From Background Notes [BN] for Dec 5th & 6th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

How many of us have taken that journey from "the East" to the Christ child?

Mark 1:4

And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

From Background Notes [BN] for Nov 28th & 29th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

Through prophecy and Gospel, the Bible launches the Advent story. Mark underscores the setting where the Good News makes its appearance: in the wilderness. As a topographic metaphor, the wilderness is that place outside of civilization.

Isaiah 40:6-8

A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”

From Background Notes [BN] for Nov 28th & 29th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

In response to the prophet’s verbal paralysis, the Word declares the nature of human beings, left to themselves, on their own, without adequate resources for life. Listen to the words:

Isaiah 40:3 (NASB)

A voice is calling, clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness; make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.

From Background Notes [BN] for Nov 28th & 29th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

The theme of the entire season of Advent is that of anticipation. We live into the experiences of God's Old Testament people and anticipate the hope he brings to us through the Messiah.

Luke 24:27 (NASB)

Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.

From Background Notes [BN] for Nov 21st & 22nd written by Pastor Bob Brown:

The Divine Conspiracy invites a new expectation.

Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

From Background Notes [BN] for Nov 21st & 22nd written by Pastor Bob Brown:

Notice how something we are or do throws the spotlight on the character of God. Or, perhaps better said, "Allow the light of God to shine forth in unmistakable ways."

Leviticus 22:29 (NKJV)

And when you offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Lord, offer it of your own free will.

From Background Notes [BN] for Nov 21st & 22nd written by Pastor Bob Brown:

We usually associate thanksgiving with words or heart-felt attitudes. But the Old Testament raises the standard higher: it requires response in some concrete fashion, especially in the form of obedience.

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

From Background Notes [BN] for Nov 14th & 15th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

The transformed heart, formed by the habits of the kingdom, has new desires. What would have once been “mine” becomes “others” and “God’s.”

Matthew 6:26

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

From Background Notes [BN] for Nov 14th & 15th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

The rich stand in danger of losing everything they possess, and losing their souls as well. The poor stand in danger of losing faith in their heavenly Father who takes care of them.

Matthew 6:19

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

From Background Notes [BN] for Nov 14th & 15th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

Our series concludes this week with an even more pernicious form of confederate value, one that derives its value through selfish accumulation in a “selfie” world.

1 Timothy 6:17

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

From Background Notes [BN] for Nov 7th & 8th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

Luke 12:13

Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”

From Background Notes [BN] for Nov 7th & 8th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

Entitlement tempts us all. Who has not felt that they have been short-changed?

Matthew 6:25

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?

From Background Notes [BN] for Nov 7th & 8th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

Af-flu-en-za n. 1. The bloated, sluggish and unfulfilled feeling that results from efforts to keep up with the Joneses.