A Five-Fold Framework to Focus on Christ in the New Year
Ushering in a new year grants families the opportunity to delight in all God has done and gaze forward at the refining yet to happen. As you look toward a new year, consider as a family using the following framework provided by the collection of Puritan prayers and devotions titled Valley of Vision. https://ncbaptist.org/a-five-fold-framework-to-focus-on-christ-in-the-new-year/
Why Demons Wish You a Merry Christmas!
After looking at the very real Spiritual warfare surrounding the incarnation in Rev. 12 this past Sunday (12/30/18), I thought this insightful piece by Greg Morse might be a good complement to our reflections. It’s written in the style of C. S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters, with a senior tempter (demon) advising a protege on matters of Christmas. Enjoy! Larry https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-dark-side-of-christmas
The Christmas Story in 5 Minutes!
A creative 5 minute re-telling of the birth of Christ by the folks at the Bible Project! Enjoy! https://thebibleproject.com/explore/the-advent-series/
What This Day is Really All About…
This is one of my favorite reflections on the profundity of the birth of Christ. What we celebrate this day is beyond amazing. Worship as you watch, for He is truly worthy! https://vimeo.com/34056202 Have a truly awe-some Christmas!
Kierkegaard Explains Christmas
The philosopher Soren Kierkegaard lived a brief life (of only 42 years) in Denmark in the 19th century. In his Philosophical Fragments, he tells a parable entitled “The King and the Maiden” in an attempt to explain some of God’s motivations behind the Incarnation. The parable goes like this (as retold by David Jeremiah): Imagine there was a King who loved a humble maiden. She had no royal pedigree, no education, no standing in the royal court. She dressed in rags. She lived in a hovel; she lived the ragged life of a peasant. But for reasons no one could quite figure
Messiah Flash Mobs!
Here are the two flash mob videos of the Messiah that I showed in church this Sunday (Dec 24th)! Crank it up, sit back and embrace the joy of the song of God’s glory in Christ being sung so powerfully and publicly! Hallelujah Flash Mob The Ultimate Christmas Flash Mob Soli Deo Gloria (SDG - that’s how Handel signed his manuscript - “to God alone be the glory!")
Who is This King of Glory?
We must not forget this Christmas that the baby in the manger was the King of Glory. He did not come simply to give us something to celebrate every December 25th. We celebrate Christmas because he is the King of Glory who came to give himself as a ransom for many and give his life on a Roman cross. Praise God that is not the end of the story because he rose on the third day and now sits at the right hand of the Father awaiting the day when his Father says, “Go get my people!” Christmas should not
Staying Focussed the Last 5 Crazy Days Before Christmas!
Perhaps the three most important things you can do during this season are to slow down, prepare your heart, and focus on what matters most. To help you do just that, we've created a free, 5-day devotional adapted from Paul Tripp’s book, Come, Let Us Adore Him, that leads up to Christmas Day and invites you to adore your Savior, Jesus. © 2017 Crossway. All Rights Reserved. To start this plan, you must be logged in to ESV.org. Click the button below to sign in or create a free account. Come Let Us Adore Him
Tips and Tools to Help Your Kids Focus on Christ at Christmas
Using Deuteronomy 6 as a framework, this article outlines tips and tools parents can consider incorporating this holiday season to help their children focus on Christ foremost this Christmas. http://intersectproject.org/faith-and-culture/tips-and-tools-to-help-your-kids-focus-on-christ-at-christmas/
Advent Fodder: Who is That in The Manger?
The ancient creeds help us see the inscrutable wonder of the birth of the Son of God on that first Christmas morn! Read these excerpts from the Nicene Creed and Athanasian Creed slowly and reflectively with a "cup a joe” and let the Advent wonder grow! The Nicene Creed is a statement of the orthodox faith of the early Christian church in opposition to certain heresies, especially Arianism. These heresies, which disturbed the church during the fourth century, concerned the doctrine of the trinity and of the person of Christ. We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of
