Only 1 more day to go….. have you bought your sprouts yet? Do you have enough mince pies to see you through to New Year? Are you ready for Christmas Day? Christmas has been described by John Piper as “the dawning of indestructible joy, because the joy Jesus was bringing into the world was like no other kind in history.” The joy that Jesus brings us is the very joy he has in God the Father, which he had for all eternity and will have forever. Speaking to his disciples, Jesus said: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15 v9-11) If the coming of Jesus is the dawning of indestructible joy, no wonder Luke begins and ends his gospel with great joy. Zechariah is told that his son John will be a joy and delight (1 v14) John leaps for joy in Eliza...
The Christmas Child Penny Musco Blurb: A barren couple. A baby who needs a home. A husband adamantly opposed to adoption. Infertility casts a shadow over Robert and Hannah’s marriage in 1891 New York City. So does her newfound Christian faith, a result of Dwight L. Moody’s evangelistic campaign. Their world is further rocked by their immigrant maid’s pregnancy, and by Jacob Riis’ exposé on life in the city’s tenements. The Christmas Child intertwines the themes of childlessness and cultural differences in an exciting inspirational story. Excerpt from the book: “Tell me, Mr. Jessup, were you born into your family?” “Of course! What other way is there?” “Adoption.” Robert stopped with the spoon halfway to his mouth. That Mr. Halsmith would raise tha...