Through the so-called Christmas season, Santa Claus is much in the mind of American children. Books portray him, TV displays him, songs remind us of him, and the stores give opportunity to meet him! Does the Bible have anything to say about this contemporary emphasis on a mythological Santa?
A brief summary of the chain of events that brought a Savior to our dark world, and the surprise ending that God used to finish the story of redemption. What connection do these happenings have with people living in the twenty-first century?
"We are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men." This message is intended to remind us of those "off-stage," other-world spiritual realities, God's hidden work in the past, and to inspire us to faithfulness in our turn "on-stage."
Why would God ever stoop to become a man? The answer? He loved us so much He wanted to make a way for us to be saved. Without the incarnation there could have been no perfect sacrifice for our sins and we would have been separated from God forever.
Traditionally, Advent is a time to contemplate the gift of a Redeemer. This Child who came from heaven to earth changed everything, and if He hasn't changed you and your household, you have missed the Advent. Seven aspects of the Advent to consider as you prepare to celebrate Christ's birth.
The stories of Jesus have been preserved for us, His birth, childhood, baptism, temptation, ministry, teachings, suffering, death, and resurrection.
Christmas: it is more than a time to gather with family, eat good food, and unwrap gifts. Christmas centers around a person, Christ the Lord, and the reasons He came to earth so long ago.