UPDATE: Thanks to a friend, I have been informed that apparently the so-called Catholic origins of this song and encoded meaning is a fanciful myth. Read here. If someone has some research to back up these claims, please send them my way. My apologies for spreading the myth. :) Ever wonder what this Christmas carol is … More Meaning of the 12 Days of Christmas
A friend shared this with me. This is very cute, well-done, and the message is…well…perhaps the best message we can muster up without Jesus anywhere in view. (Note: I’ve only viewed the first 4 videos…so maybe (please God) it takes a radically Christ-centered turn in the end away from tapping into our own “santa within.”) … More Messages from Santa
The following is from Jack’s Blog. This is a timely passage to meditate on during the busy holiday season. -JB SCRIPTURE: “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be … More Christmas at Martha’s Home
I absolutely LOVE turning our cute little “house on the hill” into a warm, cozy winter abode — our own little winter wonderland. Keri put all of my fire-making attempts to shame this past week with the best fire we’ve ever had in our home. It burned and crackled for hours without needing to tend … More I’ll Be Home For Christmas
One last Christmas quote from Bonhoeffer — a bit late. (Though we’d do well to celebrate the scandal of the incarnation all year long.) “For the great and powerful of this world, there are only two places in which their courage fails them, of which they are afraid deep down in their souls, from which … More QUOTABLES: God Is In The Manger
Some fun facts to ponder from Allan Bevere: -In 1836, Alabama became the first state in the USA to declare Christmas a legal holiday. In 1907, Oklahoma became the last USA state to declare Christmas a legal holiday. -Oliver Cromwell, in England banned Christmas Carols between 1649 and 1660. Cromwell thought that Christmas should be … More Christmas Fun Facts
Jeff Dunn has a nice piece at iMonk today on the scandal of those shepherds being in our nativity displays. He begins: If I were to be in a Christmas play, I would want to play a shepherd. I mean, they get to wear cool robes and carry a stick. I like carrying sticks. I … More “Losers Who Win” (Dunn)
The commercialized Christmas of our culture has become a celebration of excess. A plump santa full of cookies, Christmas trees full of gifts, little elves full of cheer, and credit cards full of charges. But as we reflect upon the true meaning of Christmas, survey the long unfolding story preparing the way for the Christ, … More Christmas Manna
Snow is finally falling, and it looks like a winter wonderland outside. Many people are cranking up Christmas music for the first time, and heading out shopping. Here’s one of my favorites.
We have been observing the season of Advent with the help of Mark D. Robert’s Devotional centered around the ceremony of the Advent Wreath. Finally our wait is over as we welcome our Savior to the world with the lighting of the 5th candle. Merry Christmas! JB The Lighting of the Christ Candle: The Waiting … More Advent Devotional: Christmas Eve/Day (by Mark Roberts)
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem … More VIDEO: The Star of Bethlehem
We are following the Advent Devotional written by Mark D. Roberts on our journey to the stable. This fourth Sunday we light another candle on the Advent Wreath as we expectantly wait for the coming of the Son! Grace and peace, JB The Lighting of the Fourth Candle: Waiting for the Son The Fourth Sunday … More Advent Devotional: 4th Sunday (by Mark Roberts)
What are your favorite Christmas movies? This is hard because I have two different categories for different moods. First, there are my favorite “meaningful” movies that are usually nostalgic and classic. Second, there are those fun, family favorites that you have to see each year. Here are my top 3 with some honorable mention runner-ups. … More My Top 3: Christmas Movies
We are joining Mark D. Robert’s journey through Advent with the help of his devotional. Today we light the 3rd Advent Candle while we wait for the joy brought by the coming King. Grace and peace, JB The Lighting of the Third Candle: Waiting with Joy The Third Sunday of Advent (or thereabouts) [Re-light the … More Advent Devotional: 3rd Sunday (by Mark Roberts)
Join us for Rev. Mark D. Robert’s Advent devotional guide centered around the Advent Wreath. This week we celebrate the lighting of the second candle focused on waiting for forgiveness. Grace and peace, JB The Lighting of the Second Candle: Waiting for Forgiveness The Second Sunday of Advent (or thereabouts) [Re-light the first purple candle] … More Advent Devotional: 2nd Sunday (by Mark Roberts)
December is here again. The season of Advent is upon us. We often complain about the busyness of this season full of holiday parties, shopping sprees, and endless traveling to be with our crazy families for the holidays. Yet, we all have those special memories and traditions that we try to recreate each year and … More Winter Dreams: Books & Hot Cocoa by a Cozy Fireplace
I am posting Advent devotionals this December prepared by Rev. Dr. Mark D. Roberts. Enjoy! Advent is a season of waiting, expecting, and hoping. Beginning four Sundays prior to Christmas and ending on Christmas Eve, Advent helps us to prepare for the coming, or “advent” of the Christ child at Christmas. (The word “advent” comes … More Advent Devotional: 1st Sunday (by Mark Roberts)
Kingdom Harbor 