When it comes to Christmas, there are also two kinds of preachers: those who love it and those who dread it. After all, the more familiar the story, the greater the pressure most ministers feel preaching about it. The weight of the occasion can crush them rather than carry them. But underneath these different feelings we can have about Christmas, we all need one and the same thing. We all need the real message of Christmas.
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story....
Five cherished Christmas carols and the stories behind them
Christian Christmas carols have carried the message of Christ’s birth across centuries, cultures, and continents. They remain a constant favourite to sing in homes and churches, sometimes by candlelight.
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These hymns are cherished for a reason, because each time we hear them they remind us again and again of the constant hope, joy and light of Christ's coming to this dark world.
After Devastating Fire, Minnesota Church Celebrates Christmas in Borrowed Space A church in Eagan, Minnesota, will celebrate Christmas in a borrowed space after a fire broke out in its building on Friday (Dec. 19). Grace Slavic Church, a congregation that holds services primarily in Russian, is receiving an outpouring of support from the community—including from nearby churches.
Churches deliver Christmas to immigrants detained, deported and in hiding
Clergy, churches and other religious organizations wrestle with how to mark one of the most important Christian holidays while also serving an immigrant population in crisis.
Presiding bishop releases Christmas message, encourages support for 3 Episcopal ministries
Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe released a Christmas message on Dec. 23 focused on the many people “on the move” in the story of the Nativity to see the newborn Jesus, including “my favorites” the three Magi.
“You might be greeting Christmas this year with the awe of the shepherds or the wariness of the Magi,” Rowe said. “Either way, the Gospel reminds us that Jesus came both to experience all of the joy, uncertainty, and brokenness of our humanity, and to bring God’s kingdom near.”
Rowe also drew Episcopalians attention to three ministries supporting “the most vulnerable among us” and encouraged donations to the three, Episcopal Migration Ministries, the Good Friday Offering and Episcopal Relief & Development.
CS Lewis’s Life Reveals 3 Truths for Reaching Even the Most Reluctant Converts
Most people know C.S. Lewis through his books—perhaps “The Chronicles of Narnia,” or more explicitly theological works like “Mere Christianity” and “The Screwtape Letters.” Through these and more than thirty other books, along with essays, radio talks, films, and theatrical adaptations, Lewis has shaped the faith of millions.
Far fewer people know the man behind the books.
A Christmas Devotion for Tired, Discouraged Church Leaders I fear that in this Christmas season, too many pastors and church leaders are so frustrated with what they don’t have in their church . . . so disappointed that their congregation wasn’t what they thought the church would be . . . so pessimistic that anything will ever change . . . that they walk right past the gifts of people God has given them in that same church. I want to push you to see them today.
Perfectly Imperfect Churches
Jesus launched the church. It was messy, and led by flawed leaders.
The early church began in a time where the culture was shifting, political and religious leaders didn’t agree, and the fledging churches had their own internal problems. (Sound familiar?)
Special Needs Families Deserve Care at Church
How can you support and celebrate special needs families? Learn how one church goes the extra mile to love these families and adapt to their needs.
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