Book Recommendation from a Pastor
“Searching for Christmas” by JD Greear
Recommendation by Pastor Kim
Lighthouse, a book I want to recommend this year is JD Greear’s “Searching for Christmas.” It is a very short, but encouraging book looking at the true meaning of Christmas. We will be giving it away to those who visit us on Christmas Sunday with the hopes that unbelievers might have a better picture of who Christ is and why Christmas is so significant. That being said, it is a helpful book for believers as well, as it points us to Christ in worship. If you are like me, there aren’t enough reminders to keep my eyes on Christ during a busy and festive season.This is from the back cover – “Most of us are familiar with the the events of the first Christmas – manger, shepherds, angels, wise men… but what if there’s more to the story than we realize?This book looks behind the birth of the baby in a manger to discover how the deeper truths of the Christmas story offer the hope, peace, and belonging we’re all searching for, one way or another.”
Articles
The Surprising Ministry of Encouragement
We don’t have to be an expert on the Bible or a Christian for decades to encourage those around us. What a joy and privilege to know one simple way to build up the body is to administer the gospel through encouragement.
Have you considered how amazement is a gift from God that we might deepen our appreciation of His creation? We do this not merely to derive joy from what we observe, but as a launching pad to God and gratitude towards Him.
For some of us, the holidays are a difficult time of grieving. In the backdrop of the festivities and cheer, our loss of loved ones feels more pronounced. Cling to the promises we have in Christ and let the church family come alongside to bear your burdens with you.
Practical Ways to Sustain Family Worship
Because of the quarantine, I imagine many have experienced the surprising blessing of family worship. David Murray provides three simple helps to persist in family worship to strengthen our relationships with God and one another.
3 Dangers of a Successful Vaccine
The title of this article reads like a paradox. But even as we heard this past Sunday, our hope is ultimately in God. Let’s not forget that vaccine or not.
When All Seems To Be Gain, Plan For Loss
There’s much wisdom in this article. With the vicissitudes of life, we can still find firm footing if we anchor ourselves in God. Yet at the same time, we should prepare ourselves for the flux of blessings and trials.
Tracing the Story of Christmas
This is a helpful synopsis of the Old Testament and the flow of redemptive history. The author traces the longing for God’s Deliverer and the promises fulfilled at the birth of Jesus Christ. May it deepen your appreciation for the Christmas holiday. Rejoice!
Music
O Little Town of Bethlehem – Norton Hall Band
The Christmas carol that derives much of its content from the passage we studied this past Sunday. May we marvel all the more at the wisdom and power of God in His plan of salvation and then praise Him for it.
The Light Came Down – Josh Garrels
More Christmas songs! An album featuring some Christmas classics with also some new songs contemplating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Christmas (Deluxe) – Sandra McCracken
One more Christmas album to check out and listen to. Sandra McCracken. This one has more of a stripped down acoustic vibe.
Is He Worthy (feat. Chandler Moore & Nate Moore) – Maverick City | TRIBL
A medley of three popular songs, “Is He Worthy,” “We Fall Down,” and, “Agnus Dei.” There’s something for everyone.
Miscellaneous
2021 Christian Reading Challenge
Get ready. With 2021 around the corner, perhaps a New Years resolution to consider is to grow in your love for reading. Challies provides motivation and resources to map out a plan.
A poem to celebrate the first coming of Christ as a baby while also looking and longing for His return as King. I particularly enjoyed how Scripture is interwoven with the poem.
Christmas Books for Middle-schoolers
Middle-schoolers can be harder to shop for. Here are some book suggestions that might be appropriate for this age group.
