What Child is This?
What?
The word of questioning came nigh,
As heaven’s earthward lullaby,
Threatened those in positions high,
Who sought with fear of knowing. Read More »
Christmas
O Worship the King
In the Old Testament books of 1 and 2 Samuel, we read of the life and reign of David. We are introduced to David as the prophet Samuel comes to Bethlehem to anoint the boy, David, as God’s choice as king over Israel. The compelling story of David’s anointing does not immediately lead to his coronation. Actually, there are many chapters in between the anointed boy king of Bethlehem (1 Sam 16) to when he ascends the throne as king over all Israel (2 Sam 5). In the intervening narratives of the Bible, a growing number of people are recognizing that David is the king chosen by God to rule Israel. Eventually all of Israel acknowledges that David had been the one leading Israel as the Lord’s chosen “Shepherd King” (2 Sam 5:2-3). David’s story then progresses quickly from his coronation to God’s promise to him about a coming “Son of David” who is God’s choice to reign over an eternal kingdom (2 Sam 7). Indeed the hope of the rest of 2 Samuel (Kings and Chronicles also) is in God’s promise to grant authority to one of David’s sons. Read More »
All I Want For Christmas is a Text-Driven Sermon
‘Tis the season when throngs of shoppers search for that perfect gift. Resources of time, energy and money are expended and extended in acquiring gifts that hopefully will convey the love of the giver behind the gift. Honestly, the whole process is alarmingly subjective. Read More »
Preaching the Christ at Christmas
The irony of the Christmas season is that Christ gets pushed out. That’s clear enough. It’s an observation that’s good to make to our people when we preach as we refocus their attention on the manger not the mall. But a little honesty forces me to admit that I often leave out the “real meaning of Christmas” in my preaching. Read More »
Peace On Earth?
People focus on peacefulness at Christmas. The carols, the stories, the traditions, and the cards, are reminders of one of the significant meanings Bethlehem brings. Christmas recalls the birth of Jesus our Savior, and the peace He brought, but peace is not always a priority in the Christmas season. Trees and houses are decorated, Luke 2 is read, carols are sung, gifts are exchanged, pleasantries are passed around, more calories are consumed than needed, football games are viewed, and families reunite. New memories are made while old memories are pondered. Read More »
Making Christmas Memorable
Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on the blog for Southwestern’s Women’s Studies Programs, www.biblicalwoman.org/voices.
Make this year’s celebration of Christmas more meaningful to you, your family, and friends! Here are some ways to do just that: Read More »
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Christmas is a time for singing. What better thing to sing about, especially at this time of year, than the birth of Jesus the promised Messiah? Of the two Gospels that tell of Christ’s birth and infancy, it is Luke’s Gospel which contains several songs or poems of praise of Jesus’ advent: for example, the Magnificat (Song of Mary, 1:46-55), the Benedictus (Song of Zechariah, 1:67-79), the Gloria (Song of the Angels, 2:13-14), and the Nunc Dimittis (Song of Simeon, 2:28-32). What is the meaning of each of these songs within their context and to the overall narrative? What do they declare about Christ’s nature? Read More »
The Good-to-Great Shepherd
Editor’s Note: The following article was first published as part of the Dying to Preach series on patheos.com.
At Christmastime, it’s worth remembering what made Jesus “the great shepherd of the sheep.” Read More »
The Perfect Gift for Christ
The excitement of Christmas is in the air. There is a buzz around all of the holiday activities, Christmas parties, family gatherings and of course, shopping for gifts. Finding the right gifts for extended family can be a real challenge. Questions abound. “Is it Aunt Martha or Aunt Judy that is allergic to nuts?” “Did we give Cousin Billy socks last year?” “How many kids do the Smiths have now?” “Is their youngest a boy or a girl?” Conclusion: it can be really hard to find the perfect gift for someone when you hardly know them. Read More »
Avoiding Consumerism at Christmas
Receiving gifts is fun. Watching others receive gifts we have planned and given is more fun! Read More »
