2009-12-28T09:15:04-05:00 GCI info@gospel.com http://www.gospel.com/feeds/topics/christmas http://hutchcraft.com/a-word-with-you/your-most-important-relationship/strange-words-for-a-new-mom-5991 2009-12-28T09:15:04-05:00 So you've had your Christmases, you've celebrated Jesus' coming. Have you ever had your Good Friday where you stand at the foot of that cross and say the two words that are the difference between heaven and hell, "For me. Jesus, what You did here was for me. And I'm giving me to You." That is the only way you can receive the gift of eternal life that He died to give you. http://delveintojesus.com/Reflections/37/Coping-with-Loneliness-at-Christmas.aspx 2009-12-08T20:03:02-05:00 Tis the season to be gloomy? That's how many of your friends feel during the holidays. Heres a short piece that can point them to the Friend who will never desert them. http://gospel.com/blog/index.php/2009/11/25/reflecting-christs-generosity-amidst-the-holiday-shopping-madness/ 2009-11-25T14:15:33-05:00 A short but appropriate challenge to us as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving… and as millions of shoppers brace themselves for the post-Thanksgiving consumer frenzy. http://gospel.com/blog/index.php/2009/11/12/finding-a-christian-perspective-on-black-friday-holiday-sales-and-yet-another-commercialized-christmas/ 2009-11-12T16:49:21-05:00 Brace yourselves for Black Friday! In a sign that the holiday season is finally and officially upon us, Wal-Mart, Target, and other major retailers have just released ads for their Black Friday sales—roadmaps for the annual shopping frenzy following Thanksgiving. What's a Christian to do? http://faithaliveresources.org/Coming-Home 2009-11-02T09:34:26-05:00 Brief meditations include Scripture readings and questions for thought or journaling. Excellent for personal, family, or congregational devotions. Makes a great gift, too! http://hutchcraft.com/a-word-with-you/your-most-important-relationship/a-christmas-survival-kit-2596 2009-10-01T10:19:51-05:00 If you are going to protect the heart of Christmas and not succumb to the hassle of Christmas, you must protect a quiet spot at the beginning of each day where quietness and trust will be your strength. Think about those birds in that painting. Peace was not the absence of a storm, it was peace right in the middle of it. They found their quiet spot. Well the secret is the same for you. The more hectic the season is, the harder it is to get your quiet time with the Lord and the more you need it. http://hutchcraft.com/a-word-with-you/your-mission/the-christmas-window-2593 2009-10-01T10:14:15-05:00 Maybe you need to invite them to an event that will be the kind that is seeker-friendly prepared for lost people. They're ready to hear Christmas music I bet, everybody wants to hear that. Maybe then you invite them for fellowship afterwards over to your house and talk about what was said and sung about Jesus Christ. Jesus said it was harvest time, and harvest means ready. http://biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202:11-12&version=NIV 2009-09-25T10:51:06-05:00 The savior of all mankind was born in the most humble place imaginable: a stable, where his parents used a manger as his cradle. This passage describes the angel's announcement of Christ's birth. http://biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%209:6&version=NIV 2009-09-20T17:16:30-05:00 One of the many titles given to Jesus is "Prince of Peace"--a ruler who brings not war and revolution, but peace and justice. http://biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%202:1-12&version=NIV 2009-09-18T11:35:59-05:00 When Christ was born, magi from the east saw a sign and followed it to where the infant Christ was living. They presented him with gifts fitting a king and returned home, avoiding King Herod after being warned in a dream.