Yesterday I introduced you to Ken Baker, an Awana Commander at East Brandywine Baptist Church in Pennsylvania who has transformed into Santa. Recently I interviewed him and below is a portion of that interview. How do you answer people that flat-out say that Santa is Satan and evil? Santa is not evil by any … [Read more…]
Santa has become a controversial figure over the years. Should churches embrace him, or should they discourage him? This is something that I struggle with in my ministry. If the church teaches children about the mythical Santa Clause, then how can they trust us when we talk about Jesus? The purpose of this post is … [Read more…]
There are many symbols that surround Christmas and I could post many things about them. One thing is the colors of Christmas which share the Gospel message. About once a month, I am hoping to be able to put a lesson like this on the site. I have a friend who is signs for deaf … [Read more…]
This week I was planning on writing about various aspects of the birth of Christ and provide encouragement for you, the Awana leader. Those plans changed suddenly Tuesday afternoon when I received word that my mother had died suddenly, unexpectedly. She was a vibrant woman of 78 years of age. I had just chatted with … [Read more…]
… you’ve given to me. They are the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:40 (paraphrased)
It’s the Christmas shopping season. Millions of people stood in line across the U.S. to purchase discounted computers, TV’s game systems and all of the several thousand items that were on sale Black Friday. Computers and servers exploded with data as Cyber Monday brought ever increasing sales. People are scrambling to find just the right gift for the people they care about, but then, that is what the season is all about.
I’m not here to comment on that spending, the commercialism, or other aspects. God has blessed the U.S. and we are able to purchase such luxuries.
The final words of Jesus before He ascended to Heaven was to go and make disciples (Matthew 28). I want to challenge you during this Christmas season to think beyond the people close to you….