Christmas is Good News

Good tidings of great joy!

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.  And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”  So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. 

Merry Christmas!

2000 Years Ago - A Baby - So What?

Advent - "Coming"

Many focus and celebrate the beautiful truth that Christ came to us, born in a small town called Bethlehem.  Others correctly emphasize a time in the future He is coming again.

Christ has come! Christ is coming again!

There's another nuance of the Advent season many forget.  For me one of the most beautiful pictures of Christmas is the simple truth that Christ is the One who comes to sinners like me...every day.  I need to be reminded that his transforming presence is available through His Spirit in my life and the lives of those around me.

Walt Mueller posted this quote from James Montgomery Boice this morning.  It reminds us that what Jesus did 2000 years ago has profound benefit for us today.

KIds - Show Up! Sit Down! Shut Up!

In the modern American church kids are often told to "show up, sit down and shut up".

That's harsh and outrageous!  Or is it?

Well, of course those words would never be said out loud or posted on a sign in the student ministry area. But let's face it, that attitude is projected by the way churches form their sermons, sing songs, do announcements, and create budgets. Much of what happens in church screams to kids "this isn't for you!"

This Kind of Faith

Hebrews 10:34 (ESV)

³⁴ For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.

Been thinking about this for 3 days.  How does one obtain this kind of faith?

JOYFULLY accepting…  Really?

Is it possible to trust God's goodness for the future this way?