Imagine the scene in Bethlehem. It was the night of nights, and yet it had begun as every other night had before it. In Bethlehem’s houses mothers lay their children down to sleep. In the courtyards of the inn some camels lay down to rest. In the fields the sheep lay down while the shepherds sat near their fires. In the heavens…
The Case for Christmas: Setting the Record Straight
The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God. ~ C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity Introduction Holidays just bring out the best in us. Whether it’s roses and chocolates for Valentine’s Day, or baskets of candy for Easter, or flags and fireworks for the Fourth of July, we love…
Four Ways Families Can Keep Christ In Christmas
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – the Christmas season is here! Everywhere we turn, the sights, sounds, and wonders of Christmas surround us ready to captivate our family’s hearts. Have you noticed as you drive around town how your children’s eyes fill with wonder as they gaze at the spectacularly lit…
Deer in the Headlights
I was driving home after running errands in the harsh light of a box store — busy and loud — during the Christmas season. Dusk was upon the earth — that darkness that comes on gradually, the settling of night I’ve come to love, the ending of a day, after the sun sets behind the…
Your Christmas Story
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. — Luke 1:26-27 What if Joseph and Mary had shown up in furs with a…
Searching the Night for a Light
So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” — Matthew 1:22-23 On the night when Jesus was born, I…
Creating Christmas Memories & Family Keepsakes
Each year leading up to Christmas, I wonder how I’m gonna make it. As a mother of five young children, I so want Christmas to be special for them. Even amidst the daily craziness of our life that doesn’t stop because we’ve twinkled the house, I want to make Christmas memories with them. I want…
The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi: Bethlehem
Where It All Began So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While…
Who Needs Christmas?: The Story Behind the Story
The story of Christmas doesn’t begin the way you probably think it does. It doesn’t begin with angels announcing the birth of a savior. It doesn’t begin with a young couple on an out-of-town trip trying to find a place to stay as the woman goes into labor. It begins all the way back in…
Worship Works Wonders
Christmas and gift giving. The two have always been associated with each other for good reason. The magi gave Jesus the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The shepherds gave Jesus the gift of their time and belief. Mary gave Jesus the gift of her womb. The offerings seem practical. The wise men’s treasures could…