Christmas Lights
Each year for several weeks around Christmas, Singapore’s tourist belt, Orchard Road, is transformed into a wonderland of lights and colors. This light-up is designed to attract tourists to spend…
Topic > Marriage & Family > Traditions & Holidays >
Preparation And Expectation
When our children were young, we observed Advent (the time beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas through Christmas Eve) by making a wreath and lighting candles each night after…
Escaping the Noise
Several years ago, the president of a college suggested that students join her in “powering down” for an evening. Although the students agreed, it was with great reluctance that they laid aside their cell phones and entered the chapel. For the next hour, they sat quietly in a service of music and prayer. Afterward, one participant described the experience as “a wonderful opportunity to calm down . . . a place to just tune out all of the extra noise.”
Sometimes, it’s difficult to escape “extra noise.” The clamor of both our external and internal worlds can be deafening. But when…
How to Move Forward in 2018
“Look to the future with the past in mind.” I came across this phrase last year when I went on vacation in Baguio City, one of the tourist towns in Benguet Province of the Philippines.
Don’t Give Up On Making Resolutions, Here’s 5 Tips
Making New Year’s resolutions is one of my favorite traditions of the holiday season. “What’s your New Year’s resolution?” is an unavoidable question asked of friends, family, and coworkers alike this time of year.
Traditions and Christmas
As you savor a candy cane this Christmas, say “Danka Schoen” to the Germans, for that confectionary treat was first created in Cologne. As you admire your poinsettia, say “gracias” to Mexico, where the plant originated. Say “merci beaucoup” to the French for the term noel, and give a “cheers” to the English for your mistletoe.
But as we enjoy our traditions and festivities of the Christmas season—customs that have been collected from around the world—let’s save our most sincere and heartfelt “thank you” for our good, merciful, and loving God. From Him came the reason for our Christmas celebration: the…
When Christmas Isn’t the Happiest Time of the Year
With the joyful endings of cheesy, Hallmark movies, comes the subconscious expectation that somehow during Christmas, everyone will get along, then snowflakes will fall at precisely the right time and in a perfect quantity.
Christmas Lights
Each year for several weeks around Christmas, Singapore’s tourist belt, Orchard Road, is transformed into a wonderland of lights and colors. This light-up is designed to attract tourists to spend their money at the many stores along the street during this “golden month of business.” Shoppers come to enjoy the festivities, listen to choirs sing familiar Christmas carols, and watch performers entertain.
The first Christmas “light-up” ever was not created by electrical cables, glitter, and neon lights but by “the glory of the Lord [that] shone around” (Luke 2:9). No tourists saw it, just a few simple shepherds out in their…
Why I Set Up A Christmas Tree Every year
I’m fussy when it comes to Christmas trees. I like mine a certain way—no less than six feet (1.8m) tall, boughs filled out with green needly foliage, handmade ornaments, and twinkling (not flashing!) lights.
Do Something Different This Christmas!
What is the best Christmas gift you have ever received? For children, it could be the latest toy or game that they have been bugging their parents for. For youth, perhaps new clothes, new shoes, or even the latest handphone they have been eyeing. For adults, maybe […]
What It’s Like to have a “White Christmas”
Over the past four years, I have spent my Christmases in the snow-swept plains of northern United States. Having grown up in the subtropics, white Christmas was a new experience for me. In the beginning, the snowy landscapes are breathtakingly beautiful. But after a while, the long […]
The meaning behind the familiar Christmas carol, Good King Wenceslas
As followers of Jesus, we’re called to take care of the poor. Good King Wenceslas, a compassionate king, had a heart for the less fortunate. Another compelling edition of “Discover the Word.”
Discover why we observe Christmas on December 25
Every year, we can count on celebrating the birth of Jesus on the same day, December 25. That spot on the calendar has marked Christmas day for generations!
Let’s look at some surprising details surrounding Jesus’ birth
A classic nativity display includes Mary, Joseph, shepherds, wise men, animals, and baby Jesus . . . all together under the roof of a quaint stable. We’ll discover that our nativity scenes may not represent the actual Christmas story! A special Christmas study.
The historical details surrounding Jesus’ birth
We’re familiar with the characters, setting, and storyline of the birth of Jesus. But is the Christmas story we’ve come to know really how it all happened? The conversation is sure to surprise you!
Let’s reflect on the event that changed history and can change your story forever
From the days I sat in my mother’s lap and listened to her stories until today, I’ve enjoyed stories. I love to hear them and I like to tell them. In fact, I’d like to write a novel sometime. Everyone probably has one great story inside that’s worth telling. We won’t ever write that story, though. We don’t have the skill - or the time - or the confidence. But I’ll bet you have a story that you might enjoy telling and others would love to hear.
Leaving your past behind to find a great new beginning with God!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012, Part 1
“By faith he [Moses] kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them” (Hebrews 11:28).
Idea: Old symbols can take on new meanings.
Purpose: To help listeners understand how symbols can take on wider meaning.
