From Swaddling Cloths to the Cross
In Luke 2, we read that Mary gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manager. Consider this for a moment. God chose to put on skin and be bound in swaddling clothes.
Silly Songs, Serious Joy
One of the songs I led was the quirky hit “Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night, which became a bridge to deeper worship, connecting silly joy with reverent praise.
The Gift of Jesus Never Ends, and the Prayer of Jesus Always Applies
This Christmas, we are invited to answer Jesus’ prayer by striving for unity in the body of Christ, letting our love and oneness make His presence visible to the world around us.
We found Jesus!
When the twins returned, Alice discovered Jesus under the couch, illustrating how, like in life, sometimes we need to seek God intentionally to rediscover His presence.
Embracing the Gift of Jesus with Childlike Joy
While scholars have written volumes about the incarnation, my grandson’s enthusiasm for the coming of Jesus brought me back to the essence of Christmas—celebrating the Savior’s birth with simple, childlike joy.
Advent Reflections on Psalm 3
Advent calls us to reflect on God’s faithfulness, just as David reflected on God’s deliverance, and to remember that the reason we wake each day is because God sustains us.
The Little Town, the Big King
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus and await His return, we can relate to the Israelites’ longing for deliverance and the sense of waiting that often makes our hope feel distant, yet we know Jesus will return to restore all things.
From Missing Figures to Real Hope: What the Nativity Teaches Us
After discovering my grandchildren's playful rearranging of nativity figures, I reflected on how even small disruptions can remind us of the enduring presence of Jesus in our lives.
Whether or not Santa sees us every minute, we know God does!
As we celebrate Christmas, we are called to focus on God’s incredible love for us, remaining vigilant in guarding against false teachings while proclaiming His truth through our actions and words.
Glory to God: What the Angels Really Said
Though we might imagine the angels singing, the Bible tells us they were declaring God's glory and peace, a message we are called to repeat with our words and actions.
Jesus - Better than Santa Claus
In the midst of Christmas traditions like writing letters to Santa, we are reminded that prayer is not a wish list but a deep connection with our Creator, as taught by Jesus.
Jesus Knew Some Would Hate Him…
Jesus was fully aware that His message of love and truth would not be embraced by all, and this rejection still echoes in the world today.
The Hope of the Ages, “Peace on Earth,” Will Be Our Reality Someday
The announcement of peace at the birth of Christ, celebrated in Christmas hymns and songs, reminds us that Jesus offers peace not just at Christmas, but for every day and for eternity.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
While it's natural to seek perfect gifts for loved ones, James reminds us that every good and perfect gift comes from God, who offers the ultimate gift of salvation through Jesus.
More Than Holiday Magic
With the deeper, more meaningful truth that Dolly Parton and the apostle John recognize—Christmas is about much more than magic.
Ready for Life and Preparing for Death—Glimpses of Why He Came
In the story of the Last Supper, the disciples fail to notice the pitcher, bowl, and towel by the door, consumed by the tensions of the moment, much like how we often overlook the reason we celebrate amid the busyness of the Christmas season.
Deciding What to Keep
Despite the distractions of false teachings, only Jesus, the true Shepherd, can offer real peace and salvation, and as I consider my legacy, I want to emphasize that while material things may fade, Jesus is the essential truth to hold onto.
On Christmas Day, we’re beginning to see the promise fulfilled
Merry Christmas from Dean Collins!
How we can experience the fullness of joy promised by Christ
Christmas is a season of joy. And joy, real and divine joy, comes to us as we abide in Christ and follow his teachings.
Gratefully, today we sing what many for centuries only said
The angels spoke their praise. Today we gladly sing it. And it’s a message not limited to the familiar Christmas Bible texts.