There is a difference between optimism and hope that is displayed in the Bible. Before the birth of Christ, there was a tension in the waiting as all of creation anticipated the coming Messiah. Because of Jesus, we live in an age of hope. Building 429 sings about this in their new Christmas song, "Hope is Here (Do Not Fear)."

Jesus is our hope of salvation. Let's celebrate Him this week.

In this episode, I discuss:

• Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are:
  • Read in context
  • Repetition
  • Listen to an audio version
  • Read in a variety of translations
  • Read the text aloud
  • Study with a friend
  • Remember, the people described in these accounts are real
  • Make a list
  • Utilize outside resources - Bible Project
• The 30 Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HERE
• How the angel told Joseph, "Do not fear" - Matthew 1:18-25
• Reading the details of Jesus' birth repetitively for
  • Increased comprehension
  • Increased comfort with the text
  • Richer conversations around the text
  • A deeper understanding of the characters
  • Noticing new things in the story
  • Shifting your focus to big ideas
  • Increased ability to make more associations
• Making a list of what the angel told Joseph about Jesus
  • He came from the Holy Spirit
  • He would save his pe