What difference does Christmas make? We've answered that question from a variety of perspectives in recent weeks. Sunday, we conclude our Advent series by examining the responses of two aged saints when they were introduced to the infant Jesus. Their responses that first Christmas remind us the only gift that will matter 100 years from now is the Gift that was given 2,000 years ago. Join us Sunday for "How Christmas Changes Our Stories"!
Christmas isn't the 'most wonderful time of the year' for everyone. Many experience, what Sinclair Ferguson calls, "Pre-Christmas Stress Syndrome." PCSS' causes are fairly obvious: financial pressures, burdens placed on us by others expectations, etc. Yet, there's another syndrome related to Christmas: "Post-Christmas Stress Syndrome." One figure in the Christmas narrative experienced it in a major way: King Herod of Jerusalem, the one really dark character in the story. But he wasn't the last to suffer from it. Sunday we consider how Christmas evoked the worst in this man, and many today. Join us!
Let's face it, each Christmas there's a gift that's unexpected or unwanted. No, it probably isn't a gift-wrapped cat from 'Aunt Bethany,' but it's the sort of gift that will either be sent back to the store or re-gifted quietly, so no one will ever know. Because no one wants to have to explain this gift. Who could explain it? Maybe that's what Joseph was thinking when he learned Mary was pregnant before their wedding. Sunday, we consider how that first Christmas changed his story. Join us!