Does the Christmas season ever privately make you think “Oh, wow” versus “Yay?” Here are some ways to help you get through the busyness of the Christmas season.
Here are a few simple suggestions that can help. First, open your eyes. Those who are hurting or lonely are there, often right in front of us, but we can be too busy doing Christmas that we do not even see them.
Like a lot of Christians, I have a complicated relationship with the reality of spiritual warfare. If I label a trial or struggle as such, isn’t that a little presumptuous?
Have you ever wondered what the world would be like had you never been born? Frank Capra’s 1946 Christmas classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” grapples with this question. But there’s a bigger question.
Some therapists and counselors say that the holidays become difficult for certain persons and stressful for others “just because” it’s time for the holidays.
It’s that time of year when many people are buying special gifts to thank those that have helped them throughout the year like their mail carrier, hairdresser, or child’s teacher. And many also consider a special gift for their pastor.
Christmas Eve lands on a Sunday this year. I understand the temptation to scale back, but the reality is this year may be one of the biggest ministry opportunities you have for several years to come.
If we take our role as Christ’s ambassadors seriously, we should make sure we aren’t so caught up in our own celebration of the holidays that we miss ministering Jesus’ love to those who are seriously hurting around us.
Have you ever had a sinking feeling that there’s a bigger problem lurking around the corner?
Here are some self-reflection questions for church leaders — especially those who are preparing to preach or teach this weekend — to consider…
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