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A La Carte (December 24)

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The Violence of Christmas – “Do yourself a favor before Christmas. Read the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ birth. Then read Genesis 1-3. Then read Revelation 12. Then throw in Romans 16:20 for good measure. That’s the whole Christmas story. It’s not simply the poetic and sweet story of a child’s birth, welcomed by stars and angels. It’s a violent war story.”

Losses at Christmas – Carolyn McCulley reflects on losses at Christmas. “Even though we daily receive new mercies from Him, Jesus is not going to patch up this broken world. He is going to give us something much better: a new heavens and a new earth where there are no more tears and no more death.”

Whatever It Takes – Here’s a story of a father’s love for his son.

14 Things Not To Say To Your Pastor – Here’s a lighthearted look at some things not to say to your pastor.

And He Dwelt Among Us – Logos users will want to grab this free Christmas gift from Logos. Use coupon code 12DAYS2013.

The Hobbit 2 – I plan to see The Hobbit 2. For now, though, I enjoyed Gene Veith’s take on it.

Those blessings are sweetest that are won with prayers and worn with thanks.

—Thomas Goodwin

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