After the Manger
In this week that bookends Christmas and the new year, I hope you remember that Christ was not only the baby born for you and the man who died for you, but a boy who lived for you.
His Star Appears In The East
Throughout history, mankind has sought to develop maps, instruments, and systems in an attempt to rightly orient themselves in the world. From roads to stars, navigation for travel was often aided by landmarks along a traveler’s journey. Yet, even with modern GPS, we have all found ourselves headed in the wrong direction or far from […]
Thoughts about Christmas Sermons
Of all opportunities for special occasion sermons, I have found Christmas to be a uniquely powerful cultural opportunity. In our nation there are almost universally recognized sights, sounds, scenes, and foods associated with the time each year when we celebrate Christmas. What a pastoral gift.
A Christ-Centered Christmas
As you find yourself buying and wrapping presents, cutting down or putting together a tree, or squeezing in everything else you put off for this year, here are three simple things you can do to make your holiday season count.
Episode 191: The Christmas Episode with Ronnie Martin
Mr. Christmas himself — pastor and author Ronnie Martin — is back for our annual Christmas episode. This time he and host Jared Wilson discuss their favorite “redemptive” moments from various Christmas movies.
Jesus, the Nietzschean Superman, and the Christmas Miracle
What are we to make of the fact that a little child, versus some Nietzschean “Superman” (Ubermensch), is the one who will come to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found?
Episode 185: Advent Civil War with Ronnie Martin
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ronnie Martin “go to war” over their new Advent devotionals and talk about the goodness of meditating on the grace of Christ during this holiday season.
Let us Today Go Down to Bethlehem
Let us today go down to Bethlehem, and in company with wondering shepherds and adoring Magi, let us see him who was born King of the Jews, for we by faith can claim an interest in him, and can sing, “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.”
All I Want is Peace
Peace should never be the end goal for the believer, but a result of a goal. Look at Jesus as an example: the founder and perfecter of our faith who for the joy set before him endured the cross (Heb. 12:2). The goal was obedience and glory to God the Father. The result was glory, honor, joy, and peace.
Episode 148: Annual Christmas Episode with Ronnie Martin
On this special holiday episode of the FTC Podcast, Ronnie Martin returns to talk about the joys — and the letdown — of Christmas, how to right-size the enchantment of the season, and even whether Christian families should incorprate Santa into their celebrations.