From a financial standpoint Christmas doesn’t have to be stressful. Unfortunately, too many seek to enjoy the 25th at the expense of the 26th. Gallup research reported that holiday spending has increased every year since the 2007 recession. Americans average almost $1000.00 on Christmas gifts whi...
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“My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.” Proverbs 23:26
In this section of Proverbs, Solomon is warning his son against the temptation to indulge the flesh. He advises the young man to keep his eyes to wisdom’s path because, as the following verses clearly state, there ...
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For many people Christmas is not “merry” at all, but lonely, sad and often painful. For them, the carols, parties and greetings have lost their meaning. Whether attributed to SAD (seasonal affective disorder), difficult circumstances or relational problems, about 10% of Americans struggle with so...
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Not much has changed since Joseph and Mary were turned away from the inn at Bethlehem. As the annual celebration of his birth approaches, modern society has little space for Jesus. Secular society goes out of its way to avoid even using the term “Christmas.” An observation of this present age cle...
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For a number of people I know, this Christmas will be a difficult time, a minefield of memories where some sight, sound, or smell will explode in heart-gripping emotion. This year for the first time, children will be without parents, parents will be without children, and spouses will be alone. Wh...
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One of the great blessings of the Christmas season is the listening to and singing of carols and hymns that celebrate the birth of our Lord. Yesterday, at Faith Family Church, we started learning a new one by Sovereign Grace entitled “Prepare Him Room.” Part of the lyrics exhort:
Oh, our heart...
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As I read through the Bible each year, the plan I follow ends with the book of Job. At first glance, it’s not exactly reading that conforms to the spirit of yuletide. Yet, I found one chapter in particular to be highly relevant to the Christmas season. In chapter 19 in his answer to his friend, B...
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As a kid I would take a week or two each Summer to spend with my grandparents in Salt Springs, Florida where they lived in a small home on Little Lake Kerr. How well I remember the day my grandpa asked if he’d ever told me the story of the shortest Christmas. “No sir,” I said. That was all it too...
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If you’ve never seen The Nativity Story (2006), I recommend it because of the way it portrays Joseph’s importance to the story. In many popular Christmas narratives, Joseph is often overshadowed by Mary, shepherds, kings, and wise men; however, Joseph played a huge role in the unfolding of God’s ...
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Have you ever noticed the great irony of the Christmas holidays? What should be the most wonderful time of the year is often the most depressing, stressful time of the year. For millions of Americans, the yuletide is more misery than merriment. To help make sure that doesn’t happen to you this Ch...
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