(Joh 10:22) Christmas is sometimes referred to as the “season of lights.” And though Jesus never celebrated Christmas, He did (as our text indicates) celebrate another “winter” holiday which took place at roughly the same time, one also associated with lights: “The Feast of Dedication” or “Hanukkah” (Heb. to dedicate). For eight nights (during this […]
The World of Jesus’ Birth
What kind of a world was it? What was going on? What was it like? What do we know about the world that Jesus was born into? 1.1. It was a world marked by foreign occupation and heavy taxation. Imagine that in 1960, China had successfully invaded and took control of this country. Their military […]
A Hymn, a Psalm, and the Justice of Jesus – Part 1
1. There can be no true joy in the world without the justice of Jesus reigning in our lives. 2. You can’t have salvation without submitting to Jesus’ laws and justice.
Reflections on Christmas 2.0
Reflections on Christmas 2.0 (Christmas 2017) 1. HISTORICAL FACTS 1.1. There is no evidence of Christmas or celebration of Christ’s birth by the Apostles or 1st churches. There is not the slightest reference in the NT to either the date of Jesus’ birth or its celebration by early Christians. Even the wise men – those […]
2016: Some Biblical Reflections on Christmas
My Version of A Christmas Carol – Part 2
Charles Dickens produced his as a Christmas gift to his family. And this (also) is the reason for mine. It is my gift to you. A gift to get you thinking about what really matters. The differences between my version and Dickens: You (not Scrooge) are the main character. And you are visited by an Angel (not ghosts) on Christmas Eve. Finally, […]
My Version of A Christmas Carol – Part 1
1. You are going to die. 2. Hell is (very) real place. 3. There is a (very) good chance that you are going there. 3.1. Because you keep treating Jesus like your hall-pass for small sins. 3.2. Because you think Jesus buys into your victim mentality as a valid excuse for your disobedience. 3.3. Because you are more worried about making (or keeping) friends/family than making disciples.
Santa Claus: Getting the Tradition Without Forgetting the Doctrine
Luke 2:8-11