The deconstruction of Christmas into an individualistic event is not something I am familiar with. Communion with Christ comes with communion with the church.
All tagged Christmas
Confessions, Contrasts, and Christmas
I think it is necessary to begin this piece with a confession: I really just don’t like Christmas.
In Defense of Mary, Did You Know
So don’t be dissuaded. Sing "Mary, Did You Know?" and reflect on the greatness of Jesus this Christmas. Sing it every Christmas until you pass on from this mortal life. Just don’t sing it after the Christmas tree comes down.
Barth's Christmas: Prayer not Anxiety
Christians are not permitted to sit on their hands or twiddle their thumbs. There is a positive action that the Christian can take. This is where Barth's reoccurring but never entirely dominate view on prayer sneaks into view. Prayer remains an action for the Christian to communicate dependence upon God—it is an anti-anxiety action.
Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
It's easy to become accustomed to the miracles told in Scripture - this song helps me take a step back and be once again filled with awe.
In The Bleak Midwinter
All in all, In the Bleak Midwinter does not provide some deep Christian theology or truth. Just a quiet, sober reminder of the state of earth (in its darkness) and the state of Christ (in His infancy) at the dawn of "Christmas."
coming around to Christmas
I have no particular vision for what our Christmases are going to look like in the future, and so I may steal your family's best ideas. You've been warned. Now pass the eggnog.
Why "This Is War" Is My Favorite Christmas Tune
At the time I first listened to it, I'd never heard a Christmas song quite like it. And I haven't since.
Keeping Advent
While keeping Christmas and Advent as separate, although closely linked, seasons has been quite the challenge, we are embracing the path and reaping benefits already!
I Heard The Bells
Though I have heard excellent renditions and reworkings of it, the original melody is nowhere near as solemn and hopeful as it should be—especially after contemplation of its words.
Anxiety & Christmas with Barth
"The Lord of heaven and earth, the eternal God who deemed it not too high and not too low to become like us so that we may become his." - Karl Barth
Christmas with Barth
"Grant today to the whole Christian church and to the world as well that many may break through the glitter and vanity of the holiday season and truly celebrate Christmas with us." - Karl Barth
christmas music that doesn't suck
Are you SICK OF IT ALL? Specifically the top 40 Christmas songs, the ones that started playing on BlackFriday?
Postmillennialism 101: Believe Your Christmas Carols
My admonition to you all is that you listen and believe in the words you will hear and sing this Sunday in