Have you felt any gloom this year—for your nation, your family, or your own circumstances? Gloom is the backdrop of Isaiah 9. God’s nation faced invasion, exile, and collapse. But in the first verse, the prophet says that “there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish.” Light was about to dawn from, … Continue reading Christmas: The Hinge of History
Have Yourself a Merry, Apocalyptic Christmas
If someone were to pinch me ten years ago and tell me that, by the end of 2019, Kanye West would be producing gospel music, the host of The Apprentice would be president, and Joe Biden would be the most conservative name in the Democratic primary pool, I might have asked said person if whatever … Continue reading Have Yourself a Merry, Apocalyptic Christmas
Seven Christmas Carols That Are Undeniably Missiological
Note: This article was originally published on ABWE’s blog. One of the myriad reasons I cherish the Christmas season is that it is one of the few times when the songs on the lips of the people of God truly match the missional optimism Scriptures associates with the kingdom of Christ. In our day of spiritual, … Continue reading Seven Christmas Carols That Are Undeniably Missiological
The Futility of Thanksgiving
There’s a running gag in our family that occurs every time we dine together as an extended family. My father, a creature of habit, always blesses the meal and thanks God “for the hands that prepared it”—covering all the bases, as it were. After the “amen,” my wife and mother frequently chime in that it … Continue reading The Futility of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving for the Non-Religious
How should a non-Christian society celebrate Thanksgiving? In our culture, we make Thanksgiving about enjoying life’s blessings more than really thanking God for them. To continue to call the day “thanksgiving” in a secular culture doesn’t make a lot of sense. So why did one famous Christian talk about thanksgiving every time he was talking … Continue reading Thanksgiving for the Non-Religious
4 Ways Jesus ‘Celebrated’ Halloween
Halloween means a lot of different things to people—jack-o-lanterns, creepy costumes, haunted maize fields, and candy by the bucket, to name a few. Did Jesus celebrate Halloween? Well, no. But he did do some familiar things that are worth celebrating today. 1. Jesus moved into the neighborhood wearing a disguise. Two thousand years ago, God himself … Continue reading 4 Ways Jesus ‘Celebrated’ Halloween
The Secret to Satisfying Rest
Saturday. A much-needed day off. Saturday means sleeping in, sipping coffee, picking up a book, and spending quality time with my wife. But somehow, Saturday can become one of the most unrestful, dissatisfying days of the week. Boredom emerges out of relaxation, breeding conflict and discontentment. Hours spent lazing in front of entertainment feel painfully … Continue reading The Secret to Satisfying Rest
Alex Kocman 