Meaning of DIANA

It is the Latin name of one of the main goddesses of the Greeks and Romans: the Greek name is "Artemis."

It is the Latin name of one of the main goddesses of the Greeks and Romans: the Greek name is "Artemis."

An image of her was said to have fallen from the sky, or to have been carved from wood or ebony that had fallen from the clouds.

She was worshiped throughout Asia. Her temple was in Ephesus, built of choice marble. In the British Museum there is a Roman coin with a representation of the temple and the image of the goddess in the center (Acts 19:24-35).

Although Ephesus was in many respects an enlightened city, it was darkened by this fertility cult, and the excited populace could shout for two hours: "Great is Diana of the Ephesians."

She was considered the goddess of the moon, tutelary deity of the fields, the forests, and all vital phenomena that were supposed to be influenced by the moon.

This Christmas season, let’s remember to thank Him for His most precious gift to us: Himself.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Gift of Himself

David Jeremiah

Long ago, there ruled a wise and good king in Persia who loved his people and often dressed in the clothes of a working man or a beggar so he could visit the poor and learn about their hardships.

Father, as we honor the birth of your Son, let us think on mercy, healing, and reconciliation. Amen.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Healing Time

J. Stephen Lang

1868: On this date a political leader who grew up poor, had no formal education and was illiterate until his wife taught him to read and write, issued Proclamation 179 “granting full pardon and amnesty for the offense of treason against the United States during the late Civil War.”

Christmas means you have an eternal home waiting for you. That should make more than the angels sing!

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

A Personal Promise

Charles Stanley

Jesus came to earth with the view of offering you salvation. He wanted you to have a restored relationship with the Father, a relationship that was so close, so intimate, that you would have your special place in the Father’s house (John 14:1–4).

The only people in Israel who did recognize Christ at His birth were humble, unremarkable people.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Unexpected Savior

John MacArthur

Scripture records that when John the Baptist began his ministry, “The people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not” (Luke 3:15).

In the incarnation, God spanned the vast chasm of fear that had distanced him from his human creation

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Reflections on the Incarnation and Freedom of God

Philip Yancey

Think of the condescension involved: the incarnation, which sliced history into two parts had more animal than human witnesses. Think, too, of the risk. In the incarnation, God spanned the vast chasm of fear that had distanced him from his human creation.