“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) I heard a radio program this week arguing that Santa Claus had taken the Christ right out of Christmas. I’m not going there with this column because I don’t believe it. The truth is the real story of Santa Claus has gotten lost in the commercialization of Christmas, a testament of sorts to the genius of American retailers who wanted to be sure that moms and dads didn’t forget them at Christmas either. The irony behind all […]

“You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.” (Luke 1:31) The gospel rests on three giant pillars: Jesus’ virgin birth, atoning death, and bodily resurrection. The Easter season celebrates Jesus’ death and resurrection. Christmas focuses solely on the virgin birth. You can’t call yourself a Christian if you don’t believe in the virgin birth.I remember my doubt about it as an unbeliever. I thought it defied one of the most basic laws of nature. So did […]

“No longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” (Philemon 1:16) Just before the Book of Hebrews is one of the most wonderful books in the Bible, the Book of Philemon. Actually, Philemon hardly qualifies for a book. It’s only 25 verses and originally was a letter from the Apostle Paul to a friend, who was a wealthy resident of the City of Colosse. Interestingly, this very personal letter to Philemon was written while Paul was in prison. It’s one of his four […]

“I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.” (Proverbs 4:11-12) I walk at the local high school track down the street from where I live. For the most part, I walk after work, but every now and then, my schedule allows me to get in an early morning walk. There’s something different about the early morning crowd I see at the track. They walk slower than […]