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