Christmas 2019—we’re fast approaching a milestone, the close of a decade. Right now, social media’s abuzz with swarms of before and after photos bookending the last 10 years. It feels like a time for reflection. Where were you back in 2010? Where has God brought you? How have you grown?
In that same spirit, we’d like to share 10 of the many Christmas posts written on InterVarsity’s blog over the last decade: meditations on Scripture, practical insights, challenging reminders. May we all humbly seek the Lord’s help and strength as we stand on the cusp of a new decade.
Christmas can easily become a stressful season of rushing to buy gifts, arranging travel plans, and trying hard not to overlook anything on the calendar. Take a moment to slow down, to learn how you can lower your stress level and better remember the One we’re really celebrating.
The Magnificat—Mary’s reaction to hearing she was pregnant with Jesus—has been interpreted through many different lenses for many different purposes. Learn how to engage with it holistically, prayerfully, and see how it can guide your walk with Jesus.
From the day he was born, Jesus knew great struggle. Let us come before him, honestly, laying our loss, burdens, disappointments, and frustrations at his feet. Allowing him to remind us that he’s our true source of joy and satisfaction.
Too easily, the season of giving becomes something else. Read these practical tips on how to give well and thoughtfully without turning Christmas into the season of stuff.
The moment Jesus was born—fully God and yet fully human—our grasp of what it means to be human forever changed. Reflect on Christ’s example and his invitation to you to more deeply explore who we are and what we were made to be.
Having a plan can be a good thing, helping us achieve goals, prepare for the future, or develop helpful habits. But sometimes God interrupts our plan, like he did for Mary and Joseph in a major way. Consider how we can grow in moments like this and how the Lord’s at work doing something even greater.
Take a moment to remember why Jesus came into the world. It wasn’t about giving us an excuse to throw a party. He came to be a light in the darkness, to seek people out, meeting them in their hurt and struggles.
9. Spiritual Disciplines of Advent and Christmas Series
Coming home for the holidays can be amazing! It can also be a challenge. You’ve changed. People at home have changed. Receive godly, practical advice to engage with your loved ones.
Pastor Russ Ramsey offers 25 readings ideal for the Christmas season, showing how Christ's story encompasses the whole of the Old Testament and all of human history, and how it unveils God's longsuffering, loving pursuit of his people.
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