December 21, 2025
The Time a Family Bought Me a Christmas Tree
Bryan Sands recalls the joy he experienced when a Christmas tree was given to him and how it reminds him of God's great compassion.
Articles for tag: Christmas Story
December 20, 2025
Who’s That Guy?
Chad Broaddus tells us about reading the Christmas story with his family and how Quirinius reminds him of the authenticity of Jesus' birth.
December 16, 2024
December 22 | Discovery Questions
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “He Comes With Distinction” (Luke 2:1-20), by Mark Scott.
December 25, 2023
And Old, New Celebration
"Let us not get tired of doing what is right . . ."
December 13, 2021
Dec. 19 | Application
It started with fear, and it ended in glory. . . . The shepherds had no idea they were role-players in an unfolding drama that would forever change the world.
December 18, 2019
Even after 25 Years, Churches Welcome Thousands for ‘Journey to Bethlehem’
By Chris Moon Another year, another “Journey to Bethlehem.” For some Restoration Movement churches, the “Journey” is a tradition that has spanned decades. Christian Standard found two churches that have been at it for at least 25 years—New Hope Christian Church in Washington, Ind., and Capital City Christian Church in Jefferson City, Mo. “Things kind of gain a life of their own,” said Joe Coquillard, lead pastor of New Hope, which held its 25th annual “Journey to Bethlehem” last weekend. He said 1,791 people participated in the interactive Nativity that guides participants through a series of scenes that tell the
December 17, 2018
Lesson for December 23, 2018: Whole Prophecy (Luke 2:1-14)
Dr. Mark Scott wrote this treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson. Scott teaches preaching and New Testament at Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Missouri. This lesson treatment is published in issue no. 13 (weeks 49–53; December 9–30, 2018) of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ Lesson Aim: Marvel at how God wholly fulfilled prophetic promises in Jesus. ______ By Mark Scott One evidence that the Bible is divine is the record of fulfilled predictive prophecies. The Bible was written over a period of 1,500 years by at least 40 different human writers. The evidence of fulfilled prophecy is extremely faith
December 11, 2015
Meditating on Hope: December 11
By Becky Ahlberg Friday, December 11 Read 1 Timothy 4. In this well-known passage, the apostle Paul shares his wisdom with young Timothy and reminds him his behavior is critical to his credibility as a leader. It”s always good for leaders to remind themselves of these important truths. And right in the middle of it is this nugget, “That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God” (v. 10). Ours is not hope built on quaint stories or wishful thinking. The incarnation wasn”t magic. It was the purposeful, powerful behavior of the
December 2, 2015
Christmas: It”s a Heart Thing
By Jim Tune In his excellent book simply titled Preaching, Tim Keller commits an entire chapter to the notion and need for preachers to preach Christ to the heart. “Preaching,” according to Keller, “cannot simply be accurate and sound. It must capture the listeners” interest and imaginations; it must be compelling and penetrate to their hearts. It is possible merely to assert and confront and feel we have been very “˜valiant for truth,” but if you are dry or tedious, people will not repent and believe the right doctrine you present.” Arguing that we should preach “wondrously,” Keller contends that
December 25, 2012
How Much Do You Know About Christmas?
By Victor Knowles How well do you know the Christmas story? Here are 17 Bible questions, taken from the King James Version, to test your Christmas IQ. 1. The first messianic promise of the seed of woman is found in: a. Genesis b. Ruth c. Psalms d. Isaiah 2. What Old Testament prophet said, “A virgin shall conceive, and bear a son?” a. Daniel b. Ezekiel c. Isaiah d. Zechariah 3. What Old Testament prophet foretold that a ruler in Israel would come forth from Bethlehem? a. Nathan b. Micah c. Samuel d. Amos 4. The angel
December 6, 2012
Find a Baby This Christmas
By Mark A. Taylor The producers of our church”s annual Christmas pageant accompanied one song several years ago with a video I have never forgotten. It was simple, just four minutes or so showing a tiny infant wrapped in white cloth in a cow”s feeding trough. And for the length of the video, the baby on the straw was crying””arms flailing, feet kicking, face scrunched in discomfort. I had a small part in the pageant and was there for the final week of rehearsals. One night, as the soloist came to the end of the song, the video”s soundtrack was
December 25, 2005
Once Upon a Time in Bethlehem
In this imaginative Christmas retelling, Mary fears she has ruined God’s plan—until shepherds arrive with news of angels, glory, and a sign in Bethlehem. Regret gives way to wonder as joy breaks through the stable’s door.
