We live in a world where Hollywood blockbusters, school plays, department stores, and our church hymnals all contribute to the way we understand and remember the birth of the promised king of Israel. This secularization has given rise to overfamiliarity with the story of Jesus’ birth. Our children’s books and nativity scenes, while helpful in… Read More »
God has designed us to love stories, and there's one story that He's going to use to thrill our hearts forever. This story, often called the gospel is what the Bible tells us about. However, the story of the gospel does not begin halfway through that book. The story originated in a garden sanctuary in… Read More »
Updated for 2016: Check out the 2016 Advent guide here! Advent is a term originally derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival". Advent is a season in the Christian calendar where the church worldwide remembers Jesus' first coming and joyfully anticipates His second. The story of Jesus doesn't begin with His birth.… Read More »
Throughout this Advent season, I've been narrating the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus in several episodes of Opening Up the Gospels. Last year during Advent, I came across a fictional work that was deeply encouraging to me: a poem called The Innkeeper by Pastor John Piper. Though there is much uncertainty surrounding Mary and… Read More »
Over the past several years I've written, recorded, or published numerous resources to encourage the body of Christ during the winter holidays. As we are progressing through yet another Advent and Christmas season, I wanted to share them with you. I trust they will strengthen your faith and deepen your fellowship with Jesus as you… Read More »
UPDATED FOR 2015: Check out the 2015 Advent Guide here! Advent is a term originally derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival". During Advent, the Christian church remembers Jesus' first coming and joyfully anticipates His second. From His lowly birth in a feed trough to His humble life among the people of… Read More »
The Christmas story evokes so many beautiful emotions in us this time of year. For those who have eyes to see, Jesus' humble birth fills us with joy and stuns us with amazement. What churned in the heart of the LORD of glory to be born in such lowliness? Amazement was also a common reaction… Read More »