It’s Christmas Eve! Millions of children from all around the world are anticipating a visit from Santa Claus—who is probably going to be wearing a mask and washing his hands a few billion times, but that’s a discussion for another day. A quick look at his origins is kind of fun. But more importantly, it … Continue reading The origins of Santa
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Full of yourself, or the Spirit?
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them…” (Luke 2:8-9) Have you ever wondered, “Why shepherds?” Why did the angel come to them of all people while they were actively watching against thieves and prey? There are probably … Continue reading Full of yourself, or the Spirit?
When we hear it so much we stop hearing it
It’s one of the most famous stories ever told: The birth of Jesus. We’re about to celebrate it in a few days. Shepherds, angels, and hostile Inn-keepers have appeared in thousands of Christmas pageants for hundreds of years. But when we hear something so much, we stop hearing it. Instead of paying more attention, we … Continue reading When we hear it so much we stop hearing it
“Is your face turned toward me?”
Dallas Willard tells a touching story about a young boy who needed some assurance. At night, unable to sleep, he went into his daddy’s room and crawled into his bed. But because it was dark he couldn’t tell if his dad was facing him or not. “Is your face turned toward me, Father?” he asked. … Continue reading “Is your face turned toward me?”
4 ways to draw closer to God
James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” When we cultivate a closer relationship with God, we experience his power and presence more and more. Consider the example of Mary. In her famous song of praise in Luke 1:46-55, she shows how she is close to God in at … Continue reading 4 ways to draw closer to God
The courage equation
Merry Christmas! On December 25th we praise and thank God for coming to us in Jesus. In Luke 2:10 the angel said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” For ALL the people—including you. Notice how the angel started his message: … Continue reading The courage equation
The privilege to worship the newborn King
Last week I visited someone who’s had a lot of challenges in the past year. Let’s call him Jake. Jake was sad because for the first time ever he won’t be able to go to a Christmas Eve service. Physically, he just can’t do it. How many of us can do it—quite easily, actually—and therefore, … Continue reading The privilege to worship the newborn King
The math behind Jesus as Messiah
Christmas is coming. It’s practically here! Amidst the clatter of Christmas it’s easy to forget why the arrival of Jesus caused such a stir over 2000 years ago. A part of the reason why it was such big news was because he was the long-awaited Jewish “Messiah.” It’s a Hebrew word that means “anointed one.” … Continue reading The math behind Jesus as Messiah
Complaining—in a healthier way
What happens in December? Singing? Praying? Helping the poor? Yup. And there’s probably some shopping and scurrying in there too! But here’s something else: Complaining. As a pastor, I wish I could say that I never complain about anything. But that’s just not true. One of the reasons this concerns me is because of James … Continue reading Complaining—in a healthier way
Going out of your way for compassion
Before I tell you about Evan, let me share Colossians 3:12: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion…” Okay, back to Evan. He was a boy from St. George, Ontario in Canada. He had an inoperable brain tumor. He was so ill that they worried he wouldn’t live long … Continue reading Going out of your way for compassion
