Is it too early to think about what we shall do with Christmas next year? Perhaps not, because it takes time to change ingrained thinking, and some of us may need a year to change our pattern of thought. I. What Is Christmas?[1. This article can be found in this format at https://adventistbiblicalresearch.org/sites/default/files/pdf/Christmas.pdf] Christmas is coming,” is … Continue reading –>
Yes, the celebration of Christmas may have pagan roots. But read on to see how that might actually be a good thing. It seems almost inevitable at this time of year that an earnest friend, family member or perhaps someone at your church will announce – with all the breathless enthusiasm and urgency of one who has … Continue reading –>
Shepherds and academics do not appear to have a lot in common, but I grew up on a small sheep farm and later became an academic. Both jobs can be quite lonely at times. I can remember as quite a young lad having to go around our small flock of about 200 sheep in the … Continue reading –>
During this time of year much of the world turns its attention to the Bible account of the first Advent of Christ. You can read about it in Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2. Just as the angels of heaven brought “good news” to the shepherds, this is a good time for us to share the good news … Continue reading –>
Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as … Continue reading –>
God rest ye merry, gentlemen Let nothing you dismay Remember, Christ, our Saviour Was born upon this day* To save us all from Satan’s power When we were gone astray O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy-Published by William B. Sandys in 1833. Author unknown. There is … Continue reading –>
At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go … Continue reading –>
It was my first Christmas season in Florida. Shortly after Thanksgiving, a father showed up to our Bible study, very discouraged. It was his daughter’s 11th birthday, and due to finances at home he did not have a single dime to buy her a gift. Several days later, I was surprised when his daughter called … Continue reading –>
Your Comment May Not Be Posted. Here`s Why: Because we have a limited staff of volunteers and no budget we are forced by circumstances to limit the kinds of comments concerning the subject of Christmas. We are Seventh-day Adventist Christians who believe in Scripture and the ministry of Ellen White. Therefore, the response to comments … Continue reading –>
Be it admitted from the start that we do not know the day on which our Lord was born. His early biographers did not think it of sufficient importance to record. [1. Mother and Child Image © Lars Justinen from GoodSalt.com] We do not know why the church chose to celebrate that birth when they … Continue reading –>
