In many faiths, there is an idea that I must present myself clean before my god. But as we know from Romans 3:23 All have sinned and fall short of God’s holiness. This means that none of us are qualified to enter into the presence of our God. But if we read the Bible carefully we see God does something no other gods do. “Here … Continue reading The Ultimate Scapegoat
My buddy Derek Maffett wrote and performed this poem entitled Joy. We have been looking through some history, culture and scripture regarding the Nativity and birth of Jesus the Christ during this series. I wonder if you truly understand what Christmas really means. And no, by now, we surely know that it’s not about Santa Claus or presents. But what does a newborn baby have … Continue reading The Recklessness of Christmas
It’s not usually a text we discuss during the advent/Christmas season, but let’s look at Genesis 1. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was without shape and empty, and darkness was over the surface of the watery deep, but the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the water. God said, “Let there be light.” And … Continue reading The Miracle of Christmas
It is inescapable during the advent/Christmas season to think about Jesus being born a little baby and being laid in a manger. But for a moment I’d like to zoom out and discuss the broader subject of Jesus. He was prophesied to come, be born to a virgin, in Bethlehem, etc. He is the incarnation, or the putting into flesh the existence of God. He … Continue reading Born to Live, Born to Die, Born to Save
An involved siege on a fortified castle is not something you associate with Christmas. But I ask you to go on a quick journey with me. “When Jesus came to the area of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They answered, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the … Continue reading The Christmas Assault
In a post from a few years ago (https://bradflack.com/2017/04/29/candles-prayers-and-motions/) I wrote about the subtle and simple lies that Satan weaves into our traditions, our conversations, our lives. I think because of the gravity of Christmas, he is always working double time during this season. Would you now help me as I figuratively “flesh out” or work out some of my own thoughts and emotions as … Continue reading The Christmas Lie
Can you imagine being an unwed, engaged teenager between 14 & 18 years old, being told you would become pregnant by the Holy Spirit, and the child born would ultimately be the Son of God? What sort of thoughts, feelings, emotions would you have? How do you think she felt, in a culture where pregnancy outside of marriage was not necessarily uncommon but was not … Continue reading Mary, Mother of Jesus
Growing up in a middle class, suburban family, I remember putting out the Christmas decorations every year. And I remember we would always set up the nativity scene last. What did it look like? A lot like this: However, while this nativity still celebrates the spirit of Jesus’s birth, it is not a true representation or depiction of the event. Look at this cave: This … Continue reading Bethlehem’s Nativity
For those of you who have ever celebrated Christmas with a nativity scene or have read the account in the gospel of Matthew, you’ve heard of the three wise men or three kings. The actual term for these guys is Magi. This name is not insignificant. In fact, it goes all the way back to the Old Testament book of Daniel. The Magi are members … Continue reading The Wise Men and Their Gifts
It may come as a surprise to some of you that the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah is actually linked to the Christian celebration of Christmas, but not in any obvious sense. We first need to understand some of the history of each to get to the place where we see the connection, so let’s start there. About 170 years before the birth of Christ, a … Continue reading From Hanukkah to Christmas
