Posts Tagged ‘Christmas’
Why a Baby?
The Israelites understood from prophesy that God intended to send them a Savior. But the only hint on how the Messiah would come is found in Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (God with us).”…
Read MoreThe Importance of the Celebration
A number of Christ-followers, including myself, have looked at Christmas as the celebration of Jesus’ birthday. That view is supported in Western culture with the emphasis on manger scenes featuring a beautiful, helpless baby. Certainly the reminder of what Jesus did for mankind in leaving His glory in Heaven to…
Read MoreIf He’s Not the Reason, Then…
A number of years ago the phrase, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season,” became popular for Christmas cards, plaques, ornaments and the like. It has now been around long enough to become trite to some, and to receive only casual nods from others. Spiritual detractors of Christmas argue that…
Read MoreThe Holy Night of Birth
I grew up in the mountains of southwest Virginia where it was fairly common to have snow for Christmas. My most wonderful memories are not of falling snow, but taking “nature hikes” in the moonlight after a satisfying meal of leftovers. Whether the sky was clear and dark, or whether…
Read MoreThe Party of the Year
Some people like parties more than others, but almost everyone will make an effort to celebrate a birthday, largely because it is an opportunity to honor a person close to us. Although God did not command we celebrate birthdays like He commanded the ancient Israelites to celebrate specific festivals, I…
Read MoreThe Secret Holiness of Christmas
I’ve often wondered how it felt to be one of the shepherds that witnessed thousands of angels igniting the dark night sky in glorious, celebratory praise to our Savior being born. Those men had no pre-announcement or warning of any kind: the routine stillness of the evening punctuated by insect…
Read MoreThe Most Wonderful Time of the Year
The famous song by the above title heralds Christmas as a romantic season of parties, traditions, singing, and general love and good will towards others. Written in 1963, it reflects the era of the mid-1900’s, making it even more romantic in this day of painful relationships, commercialism aimed at profit,…
Read MoreChristmas from a Different Angle
Have you ever had a birthday party where at least half of your invited friends didn’t acknowledge it was your birthday (they came because they thought certain others were coming), and most of the rest brought you a gift or card because they really wanted cake, ice cream and game…
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