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Weekend Recap – Christmas in 1 John

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My 12/20/15AM sermon, Christmas in 1 John, looked at various texts in 1 John.  Many times we can get stuck at Christmas studying the Bible just looking at the familiar stories of the Gospels (Matthew 1 and Luke 1-2).   In recent years, I’ve tried to tease out this theme in the various books of the Bible we’re studying and this was the case yesterday.  Christmas in 1 John could be summarized as the Father sent the Son, the Son came in the flesh, and through Him we get life.  I hope it helps you.

Gospel Friday – God Loved and Acted…

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“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”  (John 3:16)

Rest today in this truth that God loved you and acted, by giving His Son so that you could have eternal life.  Believe in Him and receive the gift of eternal life this holiday season.

Fight Greed this Christmas

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Pretty good post over on GirlTalk about 10 Ideas to Help Children Fight Greed at Christmastime.  What’s the big deal?  Well, greed is something that is easily stoked, especially at a time when we ask (and are asked) “What do you want (for Christmas)?”  So, these are helpful tips:

1) Be intentional.
2) Talk a lot.
3) Make Christmas memories.
4) Make Christmas giving lists.
5) Read Christmas giving stories.
6) Give to people in need.
7) Give the gift of experience.
8) Minimize temptation.
9) Develop a gift opening strategy.
10) Cultivate Christ-like character.

I commend the entire article and hope it helps you serve your children and their hearts this holiday season.

Weekend Preview – Christmas in 1 John

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This coming Sunday, 12/20/15, I’m hoping to do have a fun journey into some themes related to Christmas in the book of 1 John, which we’re currently working through as a church.

Here’s a graphic on one verse that has especially captured my attention:

This isn’t the first time I’ve done this.  I did a series called Christmas in Hebrews.  I’ve also done a sermon on Christmas in the Book of the Revelation.  So, take time to week and browse through the book of 1 John and see what Christmas themes you can find and let’s compare notes on Sunday.

Weekend Recap – Christmas Bursts Expectations

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My 12/13/15AM devotional from the end of the children’s Christmas program was entitled Christmas Bursts Expectations from 1 Samuel 16:1-13.  I tried to make some connections between Samuel going to find a king in Bethlehem, who ended up being a shepherd out in the field, keeping watch over his flock to the King that was born in Bethlehem and announced to shepherds in Luke 2.  It’s truly amazing to watch God burst our expectations of how we would fix a broken world.  And, He does it in a way that is not only effective but lasting.  So, I hope this thought is encouraging to you.

Gospel Friday – His Name Is Jesus…

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What encouragement was Joseph given from the angel about this baby in Mary’s womb:

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

Today, then rest in this amazing news that God sent a rescuer for you.

Some Advent Resources

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There are many (free) advent resources that are helpful.  Here are some resources I enjoy…

Good News of Great Joy (an Advent devotional by John Piper)

The Village Church’s Advent Guide for 2015

On the musical front (not necessarily free):

Behold the Lamb of God

Prepare Him Room

As well as anything by Folk Angel

My Favorite Christmas Cookie? Chocolate Crinkle

My Favorite Christmas Blend?  While Starbucks is great, I like Roasterie’s Holiday Blend best

What else?  Ever read A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote?

How about Luke 2:1-20? or Matthew 1:18-25?

Have a great celebration of Advent this month!

Being A Godly Husband During Advent

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Traditionally, we (men) view the Christmas season as a time for our wives to shine.  So, we leave the tree trimming, baking, holiday decor and family environs to our wives to accomplish.  After all, fluffy trees and baking may not be strong suits for us.  But, what if we viewed this through a different lens?  There are countless opportunities during the holidays to model what loving, sacrificial leadership looks like in our homes.  It can be a special time to die to our selfish desires and serve those we claim to love supremely.

So, here’s a list of 10 things that I’d challenge you with to stretch you that may very well have a profound impact on your family…

1) Ask your wife what you can do to help her in the kitchen.
2) Initiate a family game night with your family.
3) If your family is setting up the tree, make this an exciting time by drawing out stories and memories that come with ornaments.
4) Explain to your children what a joy it is for you to celebrate the holiday season with them.
5) Prioritize moments where your family will be able to worship with other believers during Advent.
6) Plan a surprise date night for your wife and take time to drive around town and look at Christmas lights, just the two of you.
7) Surprise your children by picking them up from school to do a fun holiday activity together.
8) Take steps for your family to serve others in some way.
9) Plan a family movie night and don’t hold anything back.
10) Draw your wife and kids close and read them the Christmas story from Matthew 1 and Luke 2.

What other ways can you think of that might serve your wife and kids?  Wives, what impact would this have on your home?

I hope this Advent season brings the joy of Christ radiating through godly husbands.

Weekend Recap – 12/22/13

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My 12/22/13AM sermon, God-Centered Christmas from Luke 2:1-7, is now online.  The sermon sought to showcase how God and Christ are seen in the Christmas story so that we might believe and worship God for His amazing plan in sending His Son.  I hope it does this for you and you spend time this week marveling at God becoming man.