Must We Believe the Virgin Birth?

This time of year various  news outlets like to talk about Christianity and mostly from attack mode. This article by Al Mohler speaks well in response to an attack on the biblical doctrine of the Virgin Birth.

Ten Questions to Ask at a Christmas Gathering

Don Whitney:

Many of us struggle to make conversation at Christmas gatherings, whether church events, work-related parties, neighborhood drop-ins, or annual family occasions. Sometimes our difficulty lies in having to chat with people we rarely see or have never met. At other times we simply don’t know what to say to those with whom we feel little in common. Moreover, as Christians we want to take advantage of the special opportunities provided by the Christmas season to share our faith, but are often unsure how to begin. Here’s a list of questions designed not only to kindle a conversation in almost any Christmas situation, but also to take the dialogue gradually to a deeper level. Use them in a private conversation or as a group exercise, with believers or unbelievers, with strangers or with family.

Read the questions here.

The Story Behind "O Little Town of Bethlehem"

Last Sunday I shared a portion of this story behind the hymn. I think it enriches the meaning to hear the context and the story of the writer, Phillips Brooks. The Civil War and Lincoln's assasination weighed heavily on his heart...

Another Idea for the Christmas Giver

Microfinance - For the person who would rather give than get, you might consider a microfinancing gift certificate—a way that your loved one can help sponsor a business in a developing country. Kiva and World Vision both offer you this ability. “Make this a Merry Christmas for your loved ones with a gift that lets them change the world. A Micro Loan Gift Card lets your family and friends choose a hard-working entrepreneur to help by funding their small business loan-to buy a sewing machine, a bicycle, training, or whatever will put their families on the pathway to success. ”

10 Things We Often Miss in the Christmas Story

Joe McKeever: 10 Things We Often Miss in the Christmas Story In this blog, Joe McKeever shares some important but often  missed lessons of the Nativity story.

31 Ways to Pray for Your Children (and others on your prayer list...)

A short article with suggestions for daily prayer for your children through the course of a month. Most of these prayers would be appropriate for anyone on your prayer list.