December 22, 2025
Christmas in Uruguay
John Bliffen tells the story of a celebration of Christmas in Uruguay, reminding us that the traditions may differ, but the message is the same.
Articles for tag: Wise Men
December 18, 2024
The Christmas that Stank to High Heaven
Victor Knowles, the Founder and President of Peace On Earth Ministries (POEM) and Editor of One Body Magazine, shares a childhood Christmas memory.
October 31, 2024
Mary In the Middle of the Mess
Thankfulness and gratitude are choices, and Mary demonstrated great strength in making her choices, which must have been at least one reason why God favored her. Thankfulness and gratitude are choices for us as well.
December 19, 2022
December 25 | Lord of All
The babe of Bethlehem (and Messiah of Matthew’s Gospel) is Lord of all—even wise men. Matthew devoted only one verse to the birth of Jesus (1:25) even though he spent many verses tracing Jesus’ human and divine roots. Then, a good length of time after Jesus was born, the Magi from the east came to Jerusalem.
December 24, 2020
‘If He Is with Us . . .’
For the final two Thursdays of 2020, we will share short editorials from the Christmas Day 1920 issue of Christian Standard. The first 100-year-old editorial is an homage to Christ and Christmas, while next week’s will look back at 1920 (and “forward” to 1921). George Perry Rutledge was editor during the years 1917-22, and he presumably wrote both of these editorials. _ _ _ Emmanuel An editorialDec. 25, 1920; p. 10 The soul of Christmas is revealed in one of the names of Jesus—“Emmanuel,” God with us. The world’s habit of parade, and noise, and money-getting, has obscured this great
December 15, 2019
How’s Your Christmas I.Q.?
We plan to post a few Christmas-themed articles from Christian Standard’s archives during the days leading up to the celebration of Jesus’ birth. We’ll start with this Christmas quiz from 1974. _ _ _ How’s Your Christmas I.Q.? December 15, 1974; p. 12;By Maxine Fream You’ve heard the Christmas story ever since you were a small child and you know it backwards and forwards, right? So you should have no trouble answering the following few questions, right? Watch it! True or false?— 1. Joseph and Mary were both descended from King David. 2. Joseph thought Mary’s child was illegitimate and
December 20, 2017
In Season, Out of Season
This Christmas editorial from December 20, 1969, was written by Edwin V. Hayden, who served as editor of Christian Standard from 1957 to 1977. ___ By Edwin V. Hayden We observe, without being greatly disturbed by it, a growing tendency for Christmas to be observed as a season rather than as a day. For many it is a season of merchandising and merriment, merely extending what they have always done with the day. For Christians it is a season for becoming acquainted with Christ, and the more greatly that is extended, the better! It is hard to pinpoint Christmas, even as a
December 20, 2015
The Sights, Sounds, and Smells of Christmas
By Bob Mink The Christmas season is a special time of year for almost everyone””especially its sights, sounds, and smells. Who doesn”t like the smell of a fresh-cut tree or of cookies baking? Who doesn”t appreciate a “Merry Christmas” greeting or festive holiday music? Who isn”t drawn to the lights and decorations? I enjoy all these at Christmastime every year. And why not? Christians can decorate a tree, bake special cookies, and give gifts all while fully embracing the meaning in the birth of Jesus. And maybe thinking about the sights, sounds, and smells of that first Christmas can make
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 24, 2010
Church Offers Year-End Offering Opportunity
“Being a part of this church has changed my life! I am in a very difficult financial place right now so finding an extra $20 is hard. I do, however, have these rings to give. Thank you, I have been able to make it through the darkest time because every Sunday you are all here for me.” Inspired by this note, the team at 2|42 Community Church (Howell, MI) created a special year-end offering opportunity””“The Original Christmas Gift.” Just as the wise men gave gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus, members were encouraged to bring their gold (in
December 24, 2006
‘Tis the Season
Christmas awakens a restless longing in many—through perfectionism, loneliness, grief, or escape. Like the Magi, people seek what they can’t fully name. This reflection calls believers to notice that longing and reach out.
December 11, 2005
A Junky Christmas
“Treasures or trinkets—it’s all in the eyes of the beholders.” This Christmas reflection looks at the Magi’s gifts and reminds us that trinkets become treasure as symbols of adoration, gratitude, and love.
