What you will need for great family fun (and significant learning) during Advent: A Quarter Several varieties of grapes (or grape flavored items) Smiley sticker A little “surprise” in a brown paper bag (it would be great if were full of gummy fish!) A birthday candle Bell “Goldfish” fish-shaped crackers Watch “weather on the 8’s”…
As we approach the celebration of Christmas, let us unwrap the mystery and the meaning of the manger. From the perspective of reasoned thought or a rational mind, the Bible’s claim that the God of the universe, the Maker of Heaven and Earth, took on human flesh by being born of a virgin some 2,000 years…
By R. Lucas Stamps, The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. The fight against abortion is a hearts-and-minds campaign. Pro-life advocates rightly pursue legislative and judicial means to end the evil of legal abortion, but a large part of our struggle is persuasive in nature. And we need all kinds of arguments in our tool belt…
“Is tomorrow Christmas?” has become the routine tuck-in question at my house. For 10 days now I’ve been answering, “No, but it’s coming soon.” My stepson is not particularly attuned to the calendar — daily, weekly or monthly. To his way of thinking it’s always possible that tomorrow is his birthday, or Saturday, or in this…
Eight months ago our friend and colleague, Rev. Dr. Steve Hayner, President of Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He has endured many rounds of treatment and is now awaiting the opportunity to participate in trial drug therapies. Please renew your prayers today for Steve, his wife Sharol, and their…
Lesson I: Re-introducing the Adventing Nature of God Many churches observe a season of Advent beginning four weeks prior to Christmas. For Reformed Christians the observance of a “season” of the Christian liturgical calendar can feel like a hold-over from Roman Catholicism, but the reality of God’s advent in Jesus Christ is worthy of our…
By Tony Reinke Bethlehem was, is, and likely always will be, just a small town — a small town steeped in ancient history. In the first century, the historical marker at the center of town — if they posted such historical markers — would have commemorated it as the birthplace of the mighty giant killer,…
By David Mathis “What Child Is This?” is no chart-topper among the children. The minor keys and slower pace make it less engaging to little ears. It’s hard to compete with the brightness, cadence, and pep of “Jingle Bells” and “Joy to the World.” And that repeated rhetorical question is puzzling to a child’s…
Advent Praying — In the “Servant Songs” of Isaiah, the Old Testament prophet provides glimpses into the person and work of the Christ-to-come. Hear one of these from 49:1-6: Listen to me, O coastlands and give attention, you peoples from afar. The Lord called me from the womb, from the body of my mother He…
By Christina Fox “Mom, I need to add something to my Christmas wish list.” It’s that time of year again. The stores are adorned with all things red and green. Mailboxes and inboxes are filled with ads, sales, and catalogs. Prettily wrapped packages are at the forefront of nearly everyone’s minds — especially kids’. Christmas…