2014-12-17T12:01:42-05:00 GCI info@gospel.com /feeds/topics/christmas/ http://internetevangelismday.com/blog/archives/12683 2014-12-17T12:01:42-05:00 Out in a small town the other day, I stumbled upon a one-day Christmas market, and some hand-crafted glass jewelry caught my eye. Or, more specifically, beautiful hand-made spiders about 3 inches/8cms high, sitting over the other jewelry on display. http://faithgateway.com/how-to-give-good-gifts-to-children-christmas/ 2013-12-20T06:00:03-05:00 … how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! (Matthew 7:11) In the Bible we read how God loves to give good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:10-11). And isn’t that just how we feel toward our children, too?  Where does this generous gift-giving impulse […] http://faithgateway.com/heaven-earth-rejoice/ 2013-12-19T06:00:03-05:00 Imagine the scene in Bethlehem. It was the night of nights, and yet it had begun as every other night had before it. In Bethlehem’s houses mothers lay their children down to sleep. In the courtyards of the inn some camels lay down to rest. In the fields the sheep lay down while the shepherds sat near their fires. In the heavens […] http://faithgateway.com/north-pole-or-manger/ 2013-12-18T06:00:04-05:00 Some call him Sinterklaas. Others Pere Noel or Papa Noel. He’s been known as Hoteiosho, Sonnerklaas, Father Christmas, Jelly Belly, and to most English speakers, Santa Claus. His original name was Nicholas, which means victorious. He was born in AD 280 in what is now Turkey. He was orphaned at age nine when his parents died of a plague. Though many […] http://faithgateway.com/god-will-provide/ 2013-12-17T06:00:03-05:00 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were […] http://faithgateway.com/more-than-gifts-christmas-ill-never-forget/ 2013-12-17T06:00:03-05:00 Ah, holiday memories. My mind tends to go on a “This is Your Life” Ferris wheel during this time of year as I recall memories of Christmases past. I know everyone can’t look back at their childhood Christmases and reminiscence with fondness, but I have nothing but great memories surrounding the holidays. And I didn’t […] http://faithgateway.com/josephs-prayer/ 2013-12-13T06:00:05-05:00 Joseph… did what the Lord’s angel had told him to do. — Matthew 1:24 The white space between Bible verses is fertile soil for questions. One can hardly read Scripture without whispering, “I wonder…” “I wonder if Eve ever ate any more fruit.” “I wonder if Noah slept well during storms.” “I wonder if Jonah liked fish or if Jeremiah […] http://faithgateway.com/7-ways-teach-children-joys-giving/ 2013-12-13T06:00:04-05:00 The Christmas season is a great time of year to help children learn about the joys of giving and the importance of reaching out to others in their time of need. During the month of December children are excited and often focused on one thing: presents! Their wish-lists are written, then they grow even longer […] http://faithgateway.com/simeon-watching-waiting/ 2013-12-11T06:00:04-05:00 Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to Israel’s comforting and the Holy Spirit rested on him. — Luke 2:25 Let’s imagine a white-headed, wizened fellow working his way down the streets of Jerusalem. People in the market call his name, and he waves but doesn’t […] http://faithgateway.com/creating-christmas-memories-family-keepsake/ 2013-12-10T06:00:05-05:00 Each year leading up to Christmas, I wonder how I’m gonna make it. As a mother of five young children, I so want Christmas to be special for them. Even amidst the daily craziness of our life that doesn’t stop because we’ve twinkled the house, I want to make Christmas memories with them. I want […]