Christmas—the first Christmas—was a package of miracles. A virgin birth, God clothing Himself in human flesh, the Father giving His amazing love to an undeserving world, Christ making Himself poor that we might be made rich. It’s an unspeakable gift that I can’t begin to wrap my mind around.

But I can open the gift. I can receive the truth that it brings to me. This Christmas, I’ve been meditating on Matthew 1:23: “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

Emmanuel—God with us.

Who would have expected that God would even want to come to us? Who would have thought that God could come to us. But God did the miraculous. He came.

And because of Christmas, every child of God can know with certainty, God is with me—right here, right now.

Philippians 2:6–8 reveals the very thought process of Jesus.

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

We aren’t accustomed to the downward mobility that brought Christ to the manger and then to the cross. In fact, our thought processes are the very opposite of God’s.

We think up. More recognition. More achievement. More praise. More us.
God thinks down. More humility. More service. More sacrifice. (more…)

When I look at my December calendar, I just about break into a cold sweat. You probably feel the same way. It seems there is no end to how many wonderful activities can be packed into this special time of year!

And yet, one of the decisions that I make early every December is that soulwinning will remain one of my highest priorities—even through the busyness. In my case, and I think probably in yours as well, the only way effective soulwinning will happen through this season is if I schedule it.

Sometimes we treat soulwinning like an appendage—an auxiliary activity for when we’re not too busy. But the very reason we have Christmas is because Christ came “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). I’m thankful He saved me. And I’m thankful He gave me the opportunity and responsibility to share the Gospel with others (Mark 16:15). (more…)

Most of us never really unwrap the significance of the poignant Christmas season.

It’s been on my heart for several years to write a Christmas themed minibook with spiritual encouragement from the Christmas story, as well as a clear Gospel presentation that can be used as a witnessing tool. As we enter this season, I’m thankful to be able to introduce to you Christmas is a Gift: Unwrap the Significance of the Season. This new minibook is now available through Striving Together Publications, and I pray it will bless your life and help you share the Gospel with someone this Christmas.

The message of this book is simple: Christmas is a gift that we can continually unwrap all year long! Through Christmas, we are offered salvation. Through Christmas, we can know God’s peace and experience His joy. Through Christmas, we can have songs in the night and a promise of hope for the future. Through Christmas, we have Emmanuel—God with us—all year long. (more…)

How is it that the season first announced with peace and good will toward men (Luke 2:14) can become one of our most frazzled and hurried seasons of the year? Below are ten guidelines to help us keep the joy in Christmas:

1. Remember the purpose of the holiday. Christmas was not set as a holiday to give families a time of exchanging gifts or a delicious dinner (although I appreciate both of these traditions!). It was not about school Christmas plays or office parties. Christmas is about Christ. Every day during this season, take time to worship Him. “O come, let us adore Him!”
2. Remember others. There’s nothing that will boost your joy like encouraging another. Take your children to visit a local nursing home, write Christmas cards to the widows in your church, have another family over for dinner. Find ways to demonstrate to others the love we celebrate at Christmas.
3. Don’t neglect unsaved relatives. Rather than avoiding unsaved relatives, anticipate the opportunities to spend time with them at Christmas. Let them know you’re thankful to be part of the same family, and look for opportunities to share the Gospel.
4. Avoid debt. If you can’t pay for it in thirty days, don’t buy it. As much as we want to give our children everything they would like and more, we are giving them a greater gift if we are financially responsible. Besides, your love, time, and attention really does mean more than any toy or gadget to your children.
5. Create memories. I’m thankful for Terrie’s carefulness to take pictures and make family times special. With both your immediate family and extended family, spend time shaping special memories for your children.
6. Witness at every opportunity. Christmas is one of the easiest times of the year to witness. Steward this season wisely, and be prepared to share the Gospel everywhere you go. Hand out Gospel tracts, invite neighbors to your church, witness to unsaved loved ones. Look for opportunities, and you will be surprised how many there are!
7. Prepare for the new year. Before January each year, I spend some time alone with the Lord setting goals for the coming year. I review each area of responsibility in my life and ask the Lord to direct me in how I can grow and reach further for His glory.

Follow these guidelines, and your Christmas can be “the most wonderful time of the year”!