In most nativity sets, we blend the various Christmas stories together in one big, happy créche–shepherds, angels, wise men, Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, manger, and the rest. And rightly so. Each character adds a different flavor to the rich celebration of the coming of the Christ Child. Even the extras that crowd the scene likeContinueContinue reading “Matthew & Luke: A Tale of Two Christmases”
Tag Archives: advent
1.8 — Christmas: Reformers, Unicorns, Grinches, and More!
Gifts, presents, and Christmas resources for all! In this episode, I share lots of fun seasonal articles, sermons, and resources for you to further explore! Read more about the Magi: “Seeing Ourselves in the Story of the Magi” at IMB.org”Wise Men, Magi, or Kings? It’s Complicated.” at Christianity Today”We _______ Kings: How Many Wise MenContinueContinue reading “1.8 — Christmas: Reformers, Unicorns, Grinches, and More!”
1.7 — Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about the Wise Men
I’ve packed this episode with so much content you’ll never ask another question about the Magi. What should we call them? Magi? Wise men? Kings? And how many were there? 3? 10? Should we tear “We Three Kings” from the holiday section of our hymnals? Read more in my Christianity Today article Magi, Wise Men,ContinueContinue reading “1.7 — Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about the Wise Men”
The Unexpected Joy of the Christmas
One of the first Christmas carols ever sung wasn’t written at Christmas at all–but six months earlier. And it wasn’t sung at the birth of Jesus, either. It was sung at the birth of his cousin John. When it comes to recounting the Christmas story, I suspect most of us begin in Luke chapter 2:ContinueContinue reading “The Unexpected Joy of the Christmas”