Recently in Advent Conspiracy Category

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4-5)

Many of us struggle to make conversation at Christmas gatherings, whether church events, work-related parties, neighborhood drop-ins, or annual family occasions. Sometimes our difficulty lies in having to chat with people we rarely see or have never met. At other times we simply don't know what to say to those with whom we feel little in common. Moreover, as Christians we want to take advantage of the special opportunities provided by the Christmas season to share our faith, but are often unsure how to begin. Here's a list of questions designed not only to kindle a conversation in almost any Christmas situation, but also to take the dialogue gradually to a deeper level. Use them in a private conversation or as a group exercise, with believers or unbelievers, with strangers or with family.

1. What's the best thing that's happened to you since last Christmas?
2. What was your best Christmas ever? Why?
3. What's the most meaningful Christmas gift you've ever received?
4. What was the most appreciated Christmas gift you've ever given?
5. What was your favorite Christmas tradition as a child?
6. What is your favorite Christmas tradition now?
7. What do you do to try to keep Christ in Christmas?
8. Why do you think people started celebrating the birth of Jesus?
9. Do you think the birth of Jesus deserves such a nearly worldwide celebration?
10. Why do you think Jesus came to earth?

From C.J. Mahaney's blog:

On Sunday morning, December 21, 1856, Charles Spurgeon preached a sermon to prepare his growing church for the coming Christmas season. He titled it "Going Home," and the aim of the message was to encourage each member of his congregation to humbly, wisely, and appropriately find opportunities to share their personal testimony with family and friends.

Spurgeon's sermon text was taken from the dramatic account of Jesus healing the Gerasene demoniac in Mark 5:1-20. Spurgeon focused his attention on Jesus's commission to the man after he was healed: "Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you" (v. 19).

After explaining the demoniac's radical life-transformation by Christ and his commission to go home, Spurgeon commissioned his church to return home. In the remainder of the sermon Spurgeon develops several practical points:

• Christmas is suited for sharing the gospel with family and friends.
• Aim to share the story of God's grace in your life.
• By sharing we edify believers.
• By sharing we reach lost friends and family.
• Be alert for one-on-one opportunities to share your story.
• Don't expect this sharing to be easy.
• Overcome this fear by sharing to honor your Savior.
• Share your story with gratitude to God.
• Share your story with humility.
• Share your story truthfully--don't embellish it.
• Tell your story seriously--don't share it flippantly.
• Don't neglect your personal devotions during Christmas.
• Rest upon the Holy Spirit's help to share.
• Remember that this story you share over the holidays is the story that will be on your lips eternally.

Get more details about each of Spurgeon's points here.

Learn more about the real Santa Claus here and here.

If you want a helpful introduction to the issue of when Jesus was born (and when other events in his life happened), download Paul Maier's article, "The Date of the Nativity and the Chronology of Jesus' Life" at Between Two Worlds.

Maier argues that Jesus was born in the latter half of 5 B.C. (perhaps November), and that he died on Friday, April 3, A.D. 33.

From Daniel Wallace's devotional on historical aspects of the birth of Jesus.

Shortly after the birth of the Messiah, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem and inquired of king Herod where the real king of the Jews was to be born. The theologians of Herod's court knew the Scriptures well--in 'Bethlehem' they recited. Ironically, though they knew the Scriptures, they did not believe them! They did not even bother to travel the five or six miles to Bethlehem to see their Messiah.

But Herod believed the Scriptures! That is why he sent a corps of butchers to Bethlehem to slaughter innocent children, in hopes of destroying this rival to his throne. But he was too late. The magi had come and gone and Jesus was by now safe in Egypt.

And the magi believed the Scriptures. They had traveled several hundred miles to worship this Babe. They were guided to Bethlehem by a supernatural celestial phenomenon--and by the Scriptures. Apparently, their ancestors had been instructed by Daniel the prophet about the coming Messiah. . . When they saw the child, they fell down and worshiped him. This was God in the flesh. They could do no other.

The theologians of Herod's court did not believe the Scriptures. They were fools. Herod believed, but disobeyed. He was a madman. The simple shepherds and the majestic magi believed in this infant Savior--and it was reckoned to them as righteousness. May we follow in their train.

Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle encourages fathers to make the most of the holidays this year.

'Tis the season for Dad to drop the holiday ball, stress out as the money is being spent for presents, and miss yet another providential opportunity to lovingly lead his family. So, this blog is intended to help dads not fall into the same old rut of holiday humdrum, sitting on the couch watching football and eating carbs, but rather intentionally plan out the upcoming holiday season. Our children grow quickly and if we miss the sacred moments God opens up for us to connect with and bless our families, everyone suffers and we set in motion generations of missed opportunity.

#1 - Dad needs a plan for the holidays to ensure his family is loved and memories are made. Dad, what's your plan?

#4 - Dad needs to not let the stress of the holidays, including money, cause him to be grumpy with Mom or the kids. Dad, how's your joy?

#15 - Dad needs to read about Jesus and pray over his kids. Dad, how's your pastoral work going with each of your kids?

Read all 16 here.

Click here to learn more about opportunities to volunteer at the Salvation Army Christmas Dinner that Rae and Lisa Ormsby talked about this morning.