Every family does Christmas differently. My wife’s family would open their presents at the kitchen table, each opening one gift at a time with a few words of surprise and comment from others. I found it a bit intense (and the moment her mom held up her new knickers will live with me forever). We grew up with all of us opening our presents at the same time. It worked for us. Until the wrapping-paper blizzard. In that moment, it felt like my family were ripping through each present without gratitude or any sense that someone had generously given it to them.... continue reading
For many people the future feels gloomy.
In Isaiah’s day, the future looked gloomy for God’s people too.... continue reading
Whenever I get to the end of a tube of toothpaste, I carefully roll up the tube to squeeze out the last bit of toothpaste. And that’s how my evangelism so often feels. I wrap myself up in guilt until a tiny bit of Jesus squeezes out.... continue reading
The following is an extract of Day 1 of Sinclair Ferguson’s new Advent devotional, The Dawn of Redeeming Grace. Available as a paperback and audiobook read by Sinclair himself.... continue reading
The following is a sample from one of the chapters in The Promise and the Light by Katy Morgan. Written as a series of vivid and dramatic first-person accounts, the book tells the stories of Mary, Joseph and Zechariah as they experience the events of the first Christmas... continue reading
When illustrating the Seek and Find series, as well as the 450-plus things to find, count and sort, it's always fun to add a few little biblical details to each spread. Here are a few hidden things to look out for in our newest volume, Seek and Find New Testament Bible Stories:... continue reading
The NIV translates these words as “inclination” or “inmost thoughts,” so let's not get too carried away and read this as a blanket ban on creativity. Still, there is a need for caution when it comes to the imagination. Our hearts and minds are liable to lead us astray.... continue reading
Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday season. With all the bustle and busyness, many of us ironically find it harder to be joyful and content during this season of giving thanks, social gatherings, and celebrating our Savior.... continue reading
God’s word is a glorious gift.
Our Father has given it to us in order that we might know His Son and that we might live in the power of His Spirit, in obedience to His truth.... continue reading
“I told all my friends that Santa isn’t real, but Jesus is!”
When my five-year-old came home with this news, her teacher had already told me (with concern) that she’d been directing other kids to act out the Christmas story. “You’re Mary. You’re Joseph. You’re the angel.” I was torn between admiring her gumption and dreading awkward conversations with other parents!
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