Series
This is the home for article series.
Thoughts about God, Truth, and Life
Saint Patrick’s Day
This entry is part 9 of 9 in the series Holidays
Tomorrow is Saint Patrick’s Day. What was the origin of this day, and who was Saint Patrick? And what in the world does it have to do with leprechauns and shamrocks?
Who was Saint Patrick?
Patrick (c. 387 –… Continue reading
Valentines Day
This entry is part 7 of 9 in the series Holidays
Valentine’s Day is a celebration of romantic love, usually accompanied by an exchange of cards, flowers and candy. On several occasions as I was doing my Valentine’s shopping I found myself in a checkout line with several men each… Continue reading
The Twelve Days of Christmas
This entry is part 6 of 9 in the series Holidays
Have you ever wondered about the “twelve days of Christmas”? In the U.S. many people think that the “twelve days of Christmas” are the 12 days leading up to Christmas. Some holiday advertising makes this assumption. But that is… Continue reading
The Origin of Santa Claus
This entry is part 5 of 9 in the series Holidays
There are many Christmas customs that have nothing to do with the birth of Christ. What about the the most distinctive Christmas symbol of all, the “jolly old elf”? Some Christians have pointed out rather ominously that “Santa” has… Continue reading
Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?
This entry is part 4 of 9 in the series Holidays
In recent years it has become the norm in public to wish people “Happy Holidays” rather than “Merry Christmas.” I can understand the concern about offending the minority who adhere to other religions or no religion at all. But… Continue reading
When Was Jesus Born?
This entry is part 3 of 9 in the series Holidays
First of all, it is unlikely that Jesus was born on December 25. The Bible does not tell us the date of Christ’s birth. The ancient church did not celebrate Christ’s birth at all, choosing instead to focus on… Continue reading
Advent: A Season of Preparation and Hope
This entry is part 2 of 9 in the series Holidays
Advent is the name given to the period of preparation leading up to Christmas. It begins on the 4th Sunday before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. In churches that use a formal liturgical church calendar, Advent is the… Continue reading
The Christian Calendar
This entry is part 1 of 9 in the series Holidays
I am beginning a new series on holidays, focusing especially on Christian holidays. This will give me the opportunity to explore the origins of some of our major holidays and share reflections on them from a Christian perspective. Learning… Continue reading
Reflections on a Series
This entry is part 24 of 24 in the series 30 Days on the Chinese Church
This will be the last post in the series “30 Days on the Chinese Church,” but it won’t be the last time I have something to say about this topic. Today I want to pause and reflect on what it has been like to do this series. Continue reading
Advice to an OBC Senior Pastor
This entry is part 23 of 24 in the series 30 Days on the Chinese Church
It’s already June, but since I took a break for a few days for Memorial Day Weekend I want to finish up this series with two more posts. Last time I wrote about advice to a young ABC pastor. Today I want to address the other side of the equation and address OBC pastors and church leaders. Continue reading
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