We live in a world that longs for peace. Wars rage, families fracture, finances crumble, and our hearts feel restless. We try to manufacture peace—through success, relationships, or even avoidance—but true peace remains elusive. Yet over 2,700 years ago, Isaiah spoke of a coming Prince of Peace who would bring lasting light into the darkness.… Continue reading The Dawn of Redeeming Grace and Peace
When you hear the song “Joy to the World,” what comes to mind? Perhaps warm memories of Christmas gatherings or the sound of joyful carolers. But did you know this beloved hymn wasn’t originally written as a Christmas song? Isaac Watts, a theologian and hymn writer born in 1674, penned “Joy to the World” in… Continue reading Joy to the World: Finding Joy in the Reign of Christ
Reflections on “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” The Christmas season is filled with cherished traditions, and for many of us, singing classic carols like Hark! The Herald Angels Sing stirs both nostalgia and joy. But beyond its familiar melody lies a profound theological message that invites us to reflect on God’s glory, love, and the… Continue reading Proclaiming God’s Love in Glory:
In the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, it’s easy to forget that the heart of Advent is not just about celebration but longing. “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” one of the oldest and most cherished Christmas hymns, captures this beautiful tension. Written originally by monks over 1,000 years ago, it echoes God’s people’s… Continue reading Hope in the Coming Messiah: God With Us
In the journey of faith, we often find ourselves grappling with deep, theological questions. One is how we approach worship? What does God desire from us in our daily lives? And what role do traditions and celebrations play in our spiritual growth? These questions have sparked debates throughout church history. One such debate involves the… Continue reading The Normative vs Regulative Principle and Hanukkah
One way we can joyfully celebrate the birth of Christ is through feasting. It may seem an odd way to worship; through eating, but it has been a part of Christian heritage for thousands of years. In the Old Testament, we see the Israelites celebrating many feasts. From the Passover to Purim to the feasts… Continue reading Joyfully Celebrate Christ’s Birth Through Feasting
Many believe that Christmas has been overcommercialized in our modern era. They are probably right. Months ago, before summer’s end, stores were already putting Christmas items on the shelves. Recently, Americans spent a record one trillion dollars on Christmas. Some have overlooked the meaning of Christmas or ignored it completely. Some children will wake up… Continue reading 3 Reasons to Celebrate God’s Love by Gift Giving
Christmas is a season of hope and expectation. Christians can and should celebrate it in this way. From the time of the garden, the Old Testament believers anticipate the birth of Christ. God promised Adam and Eve that He would send someone from Eve’s offspring to kill the serpent and overcome the sin they had… Continue reading 3 Ways to Celebrate Christmas as a Season of Hope
One of the questions I get a lot as a pastor around Christmas is what to do with Santa. A lot of young families are curious about both keeping their faith and wondering what they can or should not do as believers during the season. Within some Christian circles this can be a hot topic.… Continue reading Why We Enjoy Santa at Christmas
For centuries Christians have gathered to sing Christmas songs. One of the many reasons I love Christmas is the music that we sing. Have you seen the 1887 painting by Hans Bachmann, entitled, “A Christmas Carol in Lucerne?” As a child I have many fond memories of singing Christmas songs from the church hymnal, in children’s… Continue reading Christmas Music as Weapons of War
