Tag Archives: Christmas

Silent Night: Christmas 2025

This holiday season, I have been thinking a lot about the lyrics of some of the songs we hear and sing around this time of year. I’ve thought about that line from Joy to the World, what it really means … Continue reading

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Herald: Good News of Great Joy

When I was a child, we would drive past Cumberland Presbyterian Church every Sunday and every Wednesday on our way to our church. And every year, right after Thanksgiving, Cumberland Presbyterian would have an elaborate nativity display set out on … Continue reading

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Herald: Unexpected Favor

Over the course of his long career, Johnny Cash performed more than thirty different “prison concerts” for inmates both in this country and around the world. He played these shows as a way of advocating for prison reform but also … Continue reading

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Herald: While We Wait

We are told that good things come to those who wait. We’re told that patience is a virtue. But I have to wonder if we really believe that. Last year, Walt Disney World unveiled a new feature allowing visitors to … Continue reading

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The Parable of the Ugly Christmas Ornament

In the Bybee family, we have a tradition of decorating for Christmas on the day after Thanksgiving. The boys and I get in the attic and bring down all of the Christmas boxes and while Sunny puts out all of … Continue reading

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The Limitations of Our Resolve

I simply love this time of year. Sure, Charlie Brown was right; the commercialization of the holidays can be disheartening — and probably even dangerous to our souls. But the holiday season also prompts many to reflect, ever so briefly, … Continue reading

Posted in 2 Corinthians 5, Christmas, Culture, Devotional, Faith, God, Gospel, Jesus, Scripture, Theology | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

We All Need To Be More Materialistic

I’m struck by the juxtaposition of Thanksgiving — a season of reflection and gratitude — and the ubiquitous commercialism of “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday”. According to the National Retail Federation, American consumers spent over $45 billion shopping on Friday, … Continue reading

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What Does God Want for Christmas?

In all the hustle and bustle of this season of giving and receiving, I had a funny thought today: what would God want for Christmas? I should add that these are the kinds of thoughts I usually have when I’m … Continue reading

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