Did you have a lovely Christmas day? Were you reminded afresh of the mind-blowing story of God made man? Did you experience once more the excitement of the gospel of salvation as you sat alongside your brothers and sisters in Christ and listened to the nativity retold? Did you eat a beautiful meal? Enjoy the company of some family or friends? Rip open some presents that brought a smile to your face? Sit, safely, in your home - warm and comfortable?
If so, you - like me - are astonishingly privileged. To be a child of God is an incredible grace. To be able to live and worship in safety, indulge in a spot of luxury as well - such things are not to be taken for granted in our fallen world. So, as you sit and digest that extra mince pie (or, my particular weakness, that 7th piece of turkish delight) it's worth pondering how best to respond to the many gifts that have been showered on us.... continue reading
I've just written my to-do list. It's festive. But it's long. And, if I'm honest, I'm not quite sure how I'm going to manage to deliver all the cards and presents at the same time as taking part in various services, cooking large quantities of food, holding down my job, going to parties and maintaining some kind of residual sanity. Far from reflecting on a "silent night", I feel more as if I'm living in a whirlwind of activity which threatens to suck me into oblivion.
Which is why I'm very grateful to have stumbled across the post-it note I wrote for myself last Christmas (sandwiched in the middle of the amorphous mass of tinsel that lurks in the decorations box). There's only one word on it. And that word is this:... continue reading
As the year draws to a close and people make all sorts of Top 5 for 2014 lists, we thought we'd do our own. And add a little competition.
Over the past few days, we've be telling you our Top 5 selling books for 2014. And here it is, our top selling book for 2014:... continue reading
They’re everywhere at the moment. There are the small children – usually girls – swathed in white sheets and gold tinsel all poised to enter stage left and address the tea-towel clad shepherds and associated stuffed sheep with “tidings of great joy”. There are the cards we’re sending and receiving. There may even be one on the top of your tree. But what exactly are angels? And what do they do when they’re not announcing the birth of our Saviour? Here, this Christmas time, is a quick Q&A about our angelic neighbours:... continue reading
I was just reminded of this really helpful article I read last year. Hugely wise and practical advice, like:
Accept the day isn’t fully yours and that you’re just called to be faithful. God knows you long for your loved ones to know the Lord. Be a servant to your family and ask God to give you eyes to see them as he sees them. Also don’t forget to reflect upon how God has changed you and your family over time.
Be prepared to say ‘Grace’ at the dinner table. As the token Christian, it may well fall upon you to do the ‘Christian thing’ at the table. You might even want to volunteer! Have a good Gospel-centered ‘Grace’ up your sleeve for this moment.
Read the rest of the article by the Australian Bible Society. Highly recommended!
As the year draws to a close and people make all sorts of Top 5 for 2014 lists, we thought we'd do our own. And add a little competition.
Over the next few days, we'll be telling you our Top 5 selling books for 2014. The competition is to guess the top selling book. We'll send a free copy to the first 5 people who guess the correct answer. Comment on the Blog, reply via Twitter, comment on Facebook. We could let you know all sorts of terms and conditions, but we're all friends here!
Today, coming in at Number 3 is: The Third Day Alex Webb-Peploe's faithful
For two evenings this week I was present when emergency alarms were sounded.
Emergency no. 1
Monday night's was spectacular - and also quite funny. As I waited at a c-c-cold bus stop, a 71 pulled up, and a guy with a HUGE package got on. The bus driver took one look and refused to let the guy travel on the bus.
Driver: "That's too big. You can't come on here."
Guy (wearing earphones): "What?"
Driver: "It's too big."
Guy: "What?"
As the year draws to a close and people make all sorts of Top 5 for 2014 lists, we thought we'd do our own. And add a little competition.
Over the next few days, we'll be telling you our Top 5 selling books for 2014. The competition is to guess the top selling book. We'll send a free copy to the first 5 people who guess the correct answer. Comment on the Blog, reply via Twitter, comment on Facebook. We could let you know all sorts of terms and conditions, but we're all friends here!
Today, coming in at Number 4 is: Questions Christians Ask: Can I really trust the Bible? Barry Cooper's short, readable book that explains clearly and simply what Christians believe about the Bible
We're used to images of the Jolly fat guy who is kind to everyone. And even though he supposedly makes a list of "who's naughty and nice" - he never really leaves the naughty kids off the list - it's just a feeble attempt by parents to introduce justification by works into the Christmas story.
But the real St Nic was quite different, although stories about his life are more in the realm of folklore and legend than accredited
"It's the most wonderful time of the year". Or so the 1960's crooner, Andy Williams would have us believe. And his tune - along with many others sharing the same sentiment - are being piped at us endlessly as we shop, commute and potter round the house. Wherever we turn, we are confronted with cheery melodies, tinsel and trimmings, party invitations and the expectation of some presents to remember.
Of course, there's some truth in the sentiment that it's a wonderful time of year. Remembering the moment when God took on human flesh to save us from our sins is undoubtedly awesome, profoundly life-changing. But that doesn't necessarily make Christmas fun. And, personally, I don't find it hard to think of people who are, quite frankly, dreading it:... continue reading
