All across the world, Southern Baptists are preparing for Christmas Eve services with their local congregation. But there was as time in American when most Protestants, including many Southern Baptists, did not consider Christmas to be a holiday worth celebrating. A holiday rejected In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, many Protestants found no …
Continue...It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year — one filled with joy and laughter. For believers, it’s supposed to be a reason to celebrate. So, why do I (and so many others) struggle with Christmas? Here are three reasons I’ve found to be true in my own life. Selfishness Sometimes when …
Continue...On Monday, Americans will observe Memorial Day, a federal holiday for remembering the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces. Here are five facts you should know about this day of remembrance: 1. Memorial Day is often confused with Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel …
Continue...Christmas is almost here! For many of us, the Christmas season is a wonderful time of reflection and spending time with family and friends. Most families also have traditions that they observe every year. Often, these traditions have been passed down from parents or grandparents over the years, and serve as a way to remember …
Continue...The Bible is very clear that Mary conceived the boy Jesus before she had slept with any man. She was engaged to Joseph but had not slept with him (Luke 1:27); she would not sleep with him until after they were married and Jesus was born (Matt. 1:25). She was a godly young woman; Joseph …
Continue...This Christmas season is full of long to-do lists, activities, shopping, spending time with family and friends, and giving gifts. Technology and gadgets are often at the top of wish lists for both the young and old. I grew up surrounded by technology and like to include the latest gizmos at the top of my …
Continue..."I got to see him while he was in jail, but I never saw him once when he went to prison," Josh Rakestraw remembers of his father, David. Shackled by addiction, David knew his life was out of control. He just couldn't put the bottle down, and it encouraged his volatile temper. One day someone …
Continue...“Yes!” We high-fived each other as we surprised our children with another annual night out in the “Minivan Express.” For many years, we’ve laid a “golden ticket” on our kids’ pillows to find as they climbed into bed. Much like The Polar Express movie, we have a tradition of punching their ticket, piling in the …
Continue...Richard Braceful remembers getting letters about his kids from his wife, Selena, during his incarceration. She would tell him how tightly they were holding on to their Christmas presents—even six months after the holiday. Richard—now a Detroit, Mich., pastor—smiles when he thinks about this, knowing how quickly most children get bored with a new toy. …
Continue...Christmas time is here and like most people, I’ve already started gathering gifts for family and friends. Every year we fill our kids’ stockings with odds and ends: toothbrushes, little trinkets, silly putty, tiny stuffed animals, and always a book. Sometimes it’s a holiday book; other times it’s a book we think they’d enjoy. But …
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