Our world today is anything but peaceful. Many people are driven by fear, angry about the events of our world, protesting the injustices of racism or refugees, preparing for war, and even fighting a war of words within our country. As we prepare to celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), we are anything but peaceful. Jesus … Continue reading Prince of Peace
Category: Christmas
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Have you ever looked under the Christmas tree to inspect still-wrapped gifts for size and shape and mass and volume? As a child, I used to think, “the bigger -- the better.” But over the years, I’ve discovered the reality that “big things come in small packages.” In fact, great things come in small packages. … Continue reading O Little Town of Bethlehem
What is Advent?
What is this thing called Advent? In 4th and 5th century Gaul and Spain, Advent was a preparation not for Christmas but for Epiphany. That's the early-January celebration of such diverse events in Jesus' life as his Baptism, the miracle at Cana, and the visit of the Magi. In those days, believers spent Advent's 40 … Continue reading What is Advent?
Jesus is so… yesterday.
I remember it was last August, in the heat of summer with 100+ temperatures in Texas, I saw my first glimpse of preparations for Christmas. The store where I was shopping had already cleared out the seasonal section to begin the merchandising build up for Christmas shoppers. Since then, we have had weeks of anticipation … Continue reading Jesus is so… yesterday.
Santa Theology
"You better watch out, You better not cry Better not pout, I'm telling you why Santa Claus is coming to town He's making a list and checking it twice; He's gonna find out who's naughty and nice Santa Claus is coming to town." For many people, Jesus is essentially Santa Claus. Like Santa, many think that Jesus is … Continue reading Santa Theology
Holiness is what I need for Christmas
Jesus didn't come just to make us happy, happy, happy. He came so that ruined people could be declared holy, holy, holy before a righteous God. Happiness is a temporary feeling based on our personal circumstances. Holiness is our eternal standing before God based on the finished work of His Son, Jesus. The LORD God says, Be … Continue reading Holiness is what I need for Christmas
The Messiah – more than just background music?
In December of 1984, during my junior year at Lakeview Centennial High School, the a cappella choir was invited to sing George Frideric Handel’s, Messiah, in its entirety with our rival school (South Garland) at the newly opened Garland Performing Arts Center. Many of us were friends from earlier days at O’Banion Middle School, so we were excited to … Continue reading The Messiah – more than just background music?
following Jesus 