As iron sharpens iron,
one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
This week, the Western world pauses to remember the birth of the One who divided time, and all of history, by His first coming—our Savior and the Messiah of Israel, Jesus Christ.
As we stop and worship this baby in Bethlehem’s manger once again, let us remember that He, eternal God, came to Earth to become a man, to die for our sins and to rise again. The events of Christmas were an essential step in that process but, of course, they do not tell the full story.
“the date seems already to have been in place by the end of the third and beginning of the fourth century, at a time when Christians were being persecuted, which renders the suggestion of cultural borrowing far less likely.” - Kenneth Berding
“Therefore, let us keep the Feast, not after the manner of a heathen festival, but after a godly sort; not after the way of the world, but in a fashion above the world” - C.Leaders
“By taking our focus off the human receiver and putting it on the divine giver, Christmas can become a symbol of God’s giving heart rather than people’s grabbing hands.” - Randy Alcorn
“How do we navigate this terrain? ….framing the topic through before, during, and after scenarios might ease the burden of our endeavor.” - Desiring God
“Thanksgiving is the most popular and well-known holiday in the country, topping Christmas and other festive days on the popularity list.” - Lifeway
“Mary, anticipating the peace that would follow great upheaval, rejoices in the promises of God. Her world, and ours, is filled with injustice.” - TGC
“Vanden Eykel’s theory is based on exploring the range of meanings attached to the Greek word magoi, and the use of the term in ancient narratives.” - BAR
“We know that a bishop named Nicholas existed, that he had a great influence on his homeland, and that he probably died on December 6…. this is some of the legend of St. Nicholas” - Kevin DeYoung
Discussion