Category: Holidays
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The Advent of Humility
The following article, by Tim Keller, first appeared in the December 2008 edition of Christianity Today Magazine. In this article Keller explains why the Advent of Jesus gives us reason to stop concentrating on ourselves. *** Innumerable Christmas devotionals point out the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth—among shepherds, in a crude stable, with a feed…
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Another 10+ Questions for the New Year
Proverbs 20.5 says: The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. In short what Solomon explains is that everyone has desires and designs, but often we may not be conscious even of our own. Our purposes are deep down. But the wise person, the…
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10 More Questions for the New Year
Sir Francis Bacon once mused: Who questions much shall learn much, and retain much. On New Years Day I posted a set of questions to ponder at the start of the New Year. The following are 10 more questions, from Donald Whitney, to ask ourselves here at the beginning of the New Year: What’s the…
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10 Questions for the New Year
Donald Whitney has a knack for asking pertinent probing questions. His questions could be used for getting to know one another in a new small group. But I think they might best be used for personal reflection. Whitney’s questions penetrate into the recesses of our hearts. And if we take the time to reflect upon…
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That’s Christmas
The resounding cry of this season seems to be: “Remember what Christmas is about.” I think I’ve heard people say that, and seen people write and post that, and similar sentiments, more this year than ever before. At least, I am aware of it more this year. And I concur. The above video, from the UK, takes us through the wide range…
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We Wish You a Merry X-mas
I knew better. I should have gone with my first instinct. But I didn’t. Several Decembers ago I was summoned for jury duty in Walker County, Georgia. Overhearing other prospective jurors engaged in various religious and low-level theological debates, I vowed to myself to remain quiet and not get involved in these discussions. For most…
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The Christ of Christmas
The WORD In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Word…
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No Christmas Without Easter
Now is the time to sing, envision, enact, and retell a story of God coming unexpectedly in the worst of times as a baby born poor, born homeless, born to die that all human life might be transformed and dreams made real. It’s God’s Good News — but only because we already know the story…
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In Defense of Christmas Day
There is considerable debate concerning the birth date of Jesus Christ. Many suspect he was born in April or May. Others suggest, and even celebrate, a January birth. Traditionally, of course, we cling to the 25th of December. The earliest recorded celebration of Christmas was in the year 86AD. It was about 40 years later before Christmas became a regular…
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A Christmas Quiz
Test your knowledge of the Christmas Story using this quiz edited from LeadershipU & Probe Ministries. A link to an answer key can be found at the bottom of the page. Click: Answer Key
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A Christmas Reflection
Consider Mary’s response to the angel. The angel has come to Mary and says: “Mary, you are going to give birth to the long-promised Messiah.” This was a unique promise, and unrepeatable. There is something totally unique here: the birth of the eternal second Person of the Trinity into this world. What was her response? She could have…
