Scapegoat

In the original sense it was a real goat. On the annual Day of Atonement, Israel’s high priest would lay his hands on a goat, symbolically transferring the people’s sins to it, then drive it away into the wilderness. The scapegoat fared better than the other Day of Atonement goat, which was sacrificed as a sin offering.
The word has come to mean “someone who takes the blame for others.”
See 666 (atonement).

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Announcement to Mary

John Macarthur

When we first meet Mary in Luke’s gospel, it is on the occasion when an archangel appeared to her suddenly and without fanfare to disclose to her God’s wonderful plan.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Sanctifying Joy and Cleansing Grace

Charles Spurgeon

Amid the cheerfulness of household gatherings, it is easy to slide into sinful amusements and forget our declared character as Christians. It should not be so, but it is, that our days of feasting are very seldom days of sanctified enjoyment.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Transcendental Importance of Christmas

Philip Yancey

Unlike most people, I do not feel much Dickensian nostalgia at Christmastime. The holiday fell just a few days after my father died early in my childhood, and all my memories of the season are darkened by the shadow of that sadness.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Message of Christmas

Charles Stanley

One of the messages that we learn from the Christmas story is that of peace. While God might appear overwhelming at times, He always wants to give us the assurance that with Him, peace reigns, even in the announcement of His Son’s birth.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Voice of the Shepherd

Charles Stanley

Have you ever seen a child who cannot find his mother in a crowd? Although she may be out of sight, the little tyke may still hear her voice. It is almost as though his inner radar scans the sounds around him, looking for that one familiar tone.