The most widely shared commemoration across the world, involving more people and more nations than any other holiday celebration is Christmas. It transcends national history, and it goes everywhere where Christianity has ever been. Though it is the most widely celebrated around the world, in many ways it is the least understood. All the holidays and all the celebrations and all the commemorations of people and events across the globe take note of human events, human beings. Christmas commemorates a divine person and a divine event. . .

Like the Prophets of old, God uses individuals for His specific purposes. The Apostle Peter was no different. He was like the unofficial head of the Apostles, probably based on his age. (See John 20: 3, 4, "Another younger Apostle out-ran Peter on Resurrection Sunday, as they ran to the empty tomb.") Both were filled with the Spirit, both wrote short Epistles, but Peter wrote this about Scripture in 2 Peter 1:21: “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

As our study in Hebrews concludes in chapter 13:15-25, the author summarizes the Christian life as one of sacrificial praise, continuous obedience and submission to Christ and His leaders, and living with an eternal perspective, always looking toward the "city to come" rather than earthly comforts, concluding with a powerful prayer for God's people to be equipped for His will and a final blessing. Believers offer "sacrifices of praise" (lips confessing God's name) and do good works (like helping the needy) as true worship, while following their spiritual leaders who watch over their souls. The passage emphasizes leaving the "city gate" (symbolizing worldly comfort/Judaism) to follow Christ's reproach and encourages prayer, unity, and joyful perseverance until Christ returns.

The final chapter of the book of Hebrews is a powerful call to live out Christian faith practically focusing on living a life of brotherly love, hospitality, sexual morality, and contentment. It urges believers to remember prisoners, and respect their spiritual leaders. The writer makes a strong point about the constancy of the gospel. Jesus Christ does not change, and neither does the truth. Christians, therefore, ought to be careful not to follow novel, strange, or changing doctrines. . .

Hebrews 12:15-29 is a powerful warning to Christians to persevere in faith and holiness, avoid backsliding into sin, and appreciate the superiority of the new covenant in Christ over the old covenant given at Mount Sinai. It contrasts the fearful experience of the Law with the confident access to God offered through Jesus. . .

The final portion of The Epistle to the Hebrews is upon us. And it’s a fitting time of the year, as Christmas is just a week and a half away. “The sacrifice of praise” begins this passage, and we are encouraged to communicate to others the reason for our joy in Christ. That’s evangelization, pointing others to Christ for all the wonderful gifts He has given us. . .

As we open the 13th Chapter of Hebrews, we are closing out this wonderful Epistle. It is filled with good things for us to keep in mind daily. The writer opens up with, “Let brotherly love continue.” That command is the second half of The Great Commandment. That’s not a coincidence. It is one of the hardest things to do, especially given Jesus’ description of brothers, and of neighbors. A neighbor might live next door, or be someone in a store check-out line. And a brother may well be a Christian stranger, or a family member. Nonetheless, let brotherly love continue. . .

The Jews were called a stiff-necked people in several places in the Old Testament. They often acted arrogantly, believing that their logic was like God's. But that's a presumptuous conclusion. To think that we mortals can match God with motives, means, and planning seems outrageous to us these days. And Isaiah 55:7-11 confirms that God thinks so too! His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and His ways are higher than our ways. . .