As our churches partner together to serve our city, we can more effectively show and share the love of Christ with our neighbors. To God be the Glory!
I have always been an avid collector of nativities, picking one up as a souvenir for each of my travels near and far. So, I was incredibly surprised to find that the reality of the nativity is hardly depicted in most of my little scenes.
With some insight from Kenneth Bailey's Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, I've learned a lot about Middle Eastern culture and how things would have actually happened in the Christmas story. Here are some of the things I've gleaned.
As a parent to two littles, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by—well, any number of things. Finding the perfect traditions to ensure everyone focuses on Christ this year can feel like another item on the to-do list, another way we’re failing to live up as parents, Christians, and ministers of the gospel. To make it better this year, our little family is trying to keep the focus on simple and small ways to weave Christmas traditions into our everyday lives.
A worldwide pandemic, job losses, and political, social, and civil unrest have left most of us reeling. This year’s chaos has been incomparable. However, digging deeper into Scripture has brought a peace that man cannot. I’m trusting God to use this turmoil for His glory, and I believe He will. If we allow Him to, He will use us to help bring a spiritual revival. I believe, however, it’s up to us to let go of the bitterness that has divided Christians on the political and social front.
Would you prayerfully consider giving generously towards our goal of $180,000 before the end of 2020? We need $80,000 to replace our roof and $100,000 to complete our renovation project which will replace the carpet, add capacity to our large conference room, create flexible co-working space, and make better use of the space in the building to meet the myriad needs of our churches.
We all have those days where nothing goes right. Or maybe even a whole year, right?
We know we want and need to cry out to the Lord, but how do we still honor the Lord and cry out to Him in an honest and true way? Thankfully, the psalmists have given us the answer through biblical lament. As we journey through lament, we can embrace thanksgiving—even in the midst of hardship.
