Bright lights, cookies, presents, and Santa Claus. That’s usually what young children think of when it comes to Christmas. However, it’s important for them to learn what we really celebrate each December 25th. Jared Kennedy helps parents teach them just that with Jesus Came for Me: The True Story of Christmas. In this interview, Jared shares some tips for introducing the Christmas story to the...
For those who are separated or divorced, a “Happy Holidays!” or “Merry Christmas!” greeting can carry a hollow ring. In fact, if you are one of those trying to navigate the quagmire of relationships, feelings, and decisions in the season ahead while your marriage is falling apart, the words will likely bring feelings of dread—maybe even fear. Will I be with my children on Christmas? What will my...
One of my personal pet peeves is when other people treat me like I’m a child. If I get talked down to like I’m ignorant or incapable, it usually triggers me in a way that provokes an ungodly response in my heart, words, and even actions. This phenomenon can be more real than ever when we go to our parents’ place for the holiday season. Something about being back in your childhood home can...
After a long year, many of us are looking forward to Advent, a time of renewed hope and joy and reflection on our Savior’s love for us. Of course, a favorite feature of this season will be the singing of Advent and Christmas carols. Few capture the meaning of Christ’s incarnation more than the hymn, Thou Who Wast Rich Beyond All Splendor, based on 2 Corinthians 8:9: Thou who wast rich beyond all...
This kind of thing has happened many times in my life. I show up at a simple gathering among friends. Out of the blue, one of the friends says, “I saw this in a store the other day and thought you’d like it. Here!” Never have I had a gift to give in return. So I say what most of us say, “Oh, no, I can’t accept this. It’s too much! . . . But I don’t have anything for you.” And then I scramble to...
