Category: Christmas

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Often Overlooked Ways Jesus Changed the World – Part 2

christmas-2871064_1920 (1)Who is this man Jesus? Love him or hate him, he cannot simply be ignored. Napoleon wrote of him,

I know men and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between Him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creation of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded His Empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for Him. – Napoleon

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Often Overlooked Ways Jesus Changed the World – Part 1

advent-1577139__340As we reflect on the spiritual significance of Christmas, it is appropriate and natural for us to consider the wonderful gifts of salvation, justification by faith, and Redemption from death unto life. But if we are not diligent, it is easy to overlook some of the more earthly and natural outcomes of the little Baby in the manger. While the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ yields far too many benefits to comprehensively list here, let’s take a look at just a few: Continue reading “Often Overlooked Ways Jesus Changed the World – Part 1”

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Christmas Wars

christmas-2871064_1920This time of year it is not uncommon to hear about battles over nativity scenes, Christmas greetings and other secular vs. sacred topics. This year is no different as we see new polls showing an ever increasing move toward removing Christ from the marketplace and from individual homes. There is certainly a place for that discussion, but it is NOT what this blog is about. Instead it is about something far more important.

Is it possible that we can get so caught up in the perceived attempt to rob us of our Christian faith, that we totally miss the attempts to rob us of our Christ? Continue reading “Christmas Wars”

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Worthy of a King

camels-1150075_1920It’s time to celebrate “the most wonderful time of the year,” do you have all your gifts ready? What about the ones for the guest of honor? You know – the One Christmas is really all about – the REAL meaning of Christmas. For great gift ideas, let’s seek some sage advice from a group of wisemen.

Despite the traditional teaching that the wisemen brought three gifts to Jesus, I would like to suggest that they presented at least five gifts to the child king. Yes there was Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh, but I believe they offered some other treasures that were every bit as important and meaningful. Additionally, I would like to suggest that the three traditional gifts carry much greater significance than we often consider. Continue reading “Worthy of a King”

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The Real Christmas

birth-of-jesus-1150128_1280This time of year we are inundated with doctrines about Christmas and Jesus. Astoundingly, most of it is not coming from churches and pastors.

The largest source of doctrine and theology during this season comes from the media. Movie after movie and song after song lay claim to the “true” meaning of Christmas. Usually it has something to do with love, hope, family, discovering the real you, or finding joy in simple things.

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He Came

christmas-background-314802_1280Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you are healthy, happy and excited to spend time with loved ones as well as celebrate the greatest Gift ever given.

On Thursday, I plan to share some cool insights into some of the real reasons Jesus came, but right now I thought I would do something a little different.

I am currently working on the tracks for a brand new song that I plan to perform with my girls EVanna and Susan on Christmas Eve at our Candlelight Communion Service. I thought for today’s blog I would give you a sneak peek at the words. I hope you enjoy!

Continue reading “He Came”

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The Day Santa Snapped

blur-1869900_1920The man we often refer to as the “jolly old elf,” wasn’t always so jolly. There is a real historical moment where Saint Nicholas wasn’t only NOT laughing, he actually became rather belligerent. What could have upset this man known for great generosity and kindness so much, that he would snap?

The year was AD 323 when Constantine – at the height of his power – received a very disturbing letter concerning a dispute that had broken out in the Christian Church. After many years of great suffering and persecution at the hands of Nero, Diocletian and others, the Church had finally found peace and even favor, under the first Christian Emperor. Theodoret, Bishop of Cyrus would later write, “for us all was joy and gladness.” The historian Eusebius called the period, “a bright and most profound peace.”

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Why He Came

Merry ChristmasIt’s easy to lose track of the meaning of Christmas in the crazy times we live. Even folk like me – the most dyed-in-the-wool believers – can get caught up in things that distract us from a fitting focus.

If we aren’t careful, holiday controversies and the “War on Christmas” will get our dander up, and have us offended and in fighting mode, instead of the proper posture that reveals God’s great love to the world (Jn 3:16). Things like this can also shift our attention away from the grateful and joyful hearts that God wants for Christmas.

With a desire to bring my own heart into proper alignment, and a hope to help others, I have compiled nine reasons that Jesus came. I hope you find it impacting.

Continue reading “Why He Came”

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It’s Time to Lay Down our Christmas Weapons

file8511338711005SCRIPTURE:

“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’” Luke 2:10-14 (NKJV)

MESSAGE:

It seems we have a new and sinister Christmas tradition. Just as surely as there will be a Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade to officially herald the Christmas season and just as certain as reruns of “Charlie Brown’s Christmas” and “It’s A Wonderful Life,” we have now come to expect the War on Christmas. Continue reading “It’s Time to Lay Down our Christmas Weapons”