Seasonal
The Shepherd’s Spectacular Scene
Angels appeared around the birth of Christ as shining messengers of God. For humble earthy shepherds given what might seem like a bit part in the drama of the redemption of mankind, this was, nonetheless, a spectacular scene. Angelic activity among men, when visible, is remarkable...
Unto Non-Elite People is Born A Savior
It was to “shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night” (Luke 2:8) that the angel of the Lord first announced, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (2:11). Why...
Overcoming Over-gifting
Christian parents often struggle with ways to keep their children from becoming “spoiled” by material possessions. They recognize the danger of fostering a tendency toward greed, and are careful not to feed this dangerous appetite of the flesh. So, they carefully limit toys, clothes, and other...
Holidays: Do You Really Enjoy Them?
It might surprise you to know that not everyone loves the holidays. Yes, really. There are those whose work is severely interrupted and cannot wait for the days to return to normal. Though they may not say, “Bah, humbug,” they survive best in the routine of...
An Empty Chair at Christmas
Sometimes the hope of Christmas is, “Next year all our troubles will be miles away.” That’s what the song says anyway, but many will not have a merry Christmas just because of that. They know it is not true. Many start with and cannot get past...
O Come, Let Us Ignore Him: Singing Carols About the Jesus You Won’t Love
There we are, sitting in the large public music hall listening to Handel’s “Messiah.” We’re feeling a bit claustrophobic before we start, our coats draped over our shoulders or chairs, and our bulky sweaters surrounding us like woolen nests. We’re heating up nicely as they sing,...
The Binding of Satan as Seen in the Birth (and Survival) of Jesus
Jesus once said, “No one can enter the strong man’s house and plunder his property unless he first binds the strong man” (Mark 3:27). The “strong man” Jesus was alluding to was Satan, and his house was this world—Satan’s realm of influence and power. The Old...