Multifaceted Story

December 23, 2009 — Craig T. Owens

Today I’m preparing for our Candlelight Christmas Eve service. As I study the account of the birth of Jesus I’m always amazed at what I didn’t see in this Christmas story the last time I looked. If ever there was a multifaceted story, the coming of the Son of God to earth is it.

This story is so rich with…

  • unusual characters
  • angels
  • dreams
  • kings
  • strangers
  • scandal
  • drama
  • joy
  • sorrow
  • gifts
  • opportunities

I pray that this Christmas you will see something new. May Christmas never be the-same-old-story-all-over-again. Look with new eyes, hear with new ears, experience with a new heart. It’s the greatest story ever told!

Merry Christmas!

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: , , , , . Leave a Comment »

Let The Christmas Spending Frenzy Begin

November 27, 2009 — Craig T. Owens

All over America today, Black Friday kicked off a month-long, mad-dash, consumer-feeding frenzy. A race to see who can spend the most money on the most toys and gadgets to give away at Christmas.

Oops, did I say Christmas?!? <Gasp!> Maybe I should have said holidays. Yes, indeed, the Consumer’s Delight Holiday Season. At least that’s what it feels more and more with every passing year. First of all, retail stores have a hard time even saying Merry Christmas, let alone promoting the meaning of Christmas. And then there’s this notion—even among those that are willing to say Christmas—that this is the season of buying.

I think I’m feeling a little rebellious today. If you’d like to join me in rocking the popular-mindset boat a little, if you’d like to take back Christmas, if you’d like to return the focus to CHRISTmas, check out a couple of these resources, and let’s talk.

Give This Christmas Away. Great book by Matthew West on some great ways to focus on Christ at CHRISTmas.

Advent Conspiracy. A great CHRISTmas gift that will literally change (or save) someone’s life.

One Day’s Wages. Use their calculator to see how far just one day of your annual earnings can go.

If you’ve got any other resources or thoughts on this CHRISTmas season, please share them.

Merry CHRISTmas!

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: , , , , . Leave a Comment »

Give This Christmas Away (book review)

November 19, 2009 — Craig T. Owens

Matthew West wrote Give This Christmas Away based on two simple questions: What if December looked different this year? What if we all just give this Christmas away?

If you are becoming as frustrated as I am with the over-commercialization of Christmas, this book is like a breath of crisp, clean winter air. Matthew West gives us “101 simple and thoughtful ways” to truly focus on the reason for the Christmas season. This is a great book for your family to read together. It will help you begin a meaningful discussion of what Christmas truly means.

I anticipate that this book will become a seasonal classic: with families pulling it out each year as they begin to decorate for Christmas. The ideas in here are simple and easy to put into practice. Just reading this book will open your eyes to numerous possibilities. And if you happen to think of idea number 102 and beyond, log onto the Give This Christmas Away website to share your idea.

I highly recommend this book to your family.

I am a Tyndale House book reviewer.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: , , , , . 1 Comment »

What A Gift!

December 22, 2008 — Craig T. Owens

the-gift1

I am so proud of our team for the great Christmas play they presented last night called The Gift! The play was written by our very own Kevin Simonye, and the entire cast and crew were students and parents from Bethel Assembly of God.

The play was a look at how parents can get so caught up in what they believe will make “the best Christmas ever.” Some parents tried presents, some tried trips, some tried inviting lots of family members, and some tried outrageous decorations. But when all of the parents’ plans fell apart, the kids showed them that the real meaning of Christmas was The Gift God gave to all mankind when Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

I am so thankful for this incredible gift! And I am thankful for a highly dedicated and extremely talented team that put on such an excellent Christmas play! Check out some highlights.

And in all of your busyness this week, please remember to celebrate the real reason for the season—God’s gift to you is Jesus! God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him may not be lost but have eternal life (John 3:16).

Merry Christmas!

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: , , , , . Leave a Comment »
Newer posts »