I don’t want Christmas to end! Those were the tearful words from my youngest daughter one December 26, as she stood forlornly in front of the Christmas tree. Remnants of wrapping paper and ribbon littered the floor from the previous day’s gift-opening extravaganza. That morning, there were no packages left, no new holiday surprises to...
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As we have emphasized this year at TWI, Advent is traditionally a season of waiting. Traditionally, the Christmas hymns, the celebrations, the parties—they all waited until the beginning of the twelve days of Christmas. Instead, Advent songs were songs of longing, waiting and longing for Christmas to come. And the point was to remind Christians...
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! With the kids jingle belling, And everyone telling you be of good cheer… There’ll be parties for hosting, Marshmallows for toasting, And caroling out in the snow… It’s the most wonderful time of the year![1] The timeless voice of Andy Williams makes this cheerful declaration every year...
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The Slaughter of the Innocents in Matthew 2:14 is one of the most misunderstood stories in the New Testament. The few pastors who do preach on this passage spend most of their time trying to justify why Bethlehemite children had to be murdered to fulfill some obscure Old Testament prophesy. Yet, Matthew used these opening...
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Alongside the eggnog, the tree, the decorations and gifts, and the ringing of the Salvation Army collection, most of us associate Christmas with the music. Indeed, Christmas carols are some of the very richest of all Christian hymns and music, packed with deep reflections on the coming of the mystery of the ages, how God...
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Over the years, our founder and Senior Fellow Dr. Steve Garber has written many short meditations inspired by the Advent season, reflections that bring us deeper into the biblical story and the broader traditions that surround the Christmas season. Readers of our site regularly revisit them, so we are pleased to gather them as a...
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