Christmas Greetings

A Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to all my Christian readers.

Christmas in Other Lands

As Christmas comes closer, let us pray for Christians in other lands. A good reminder to pray from a Quaker.



The latest from Thinking Faith...

iWitness: Christmas in the West Bank
As we make the final preparations for Christmas, there are many Christians in troubled areas of the world who will be unable to welcome Christ into their lives with the same freedom that we enjoy. Hilary Browne describes what Christmas is like now in the place of Christ’s birth, where last year news of violence marred the celebrations in already difficult circumstances.
Read more

Top 5 Books to read during Advent and Christmas

Christian History Home > Reviews > My Top 5 Books to Read During Advent and Christmas

My Top 5 Books to Read During Advent and Christmas

Carmen Butcher, associate professor of English at Shorter College in Rome, Georgia, scholar-in-residence, and Christian author and blogger | posted 12/10/2009 01:23AM

This list represents my own desire during this holy season to experience new birth in my soul, as modeled by that divine-human baby lying humbly in the manger. My main interest is in learning how to do discipleship, in finding affective theology to grow in me a more Christ-minded, thankful, wonder-filled, and kinder lifestyle. These are the books I am sipping tea over and steeping in this Christmas.

St. Augustine: Sermons for Christmas and Epiphany Translated and annotated by Thomas Comerford Lawler

From the Paulist Press Ancient Christian Writers series, this splendid book of sermons invites us into the lives of the earliest Christians. Here, as the translator says in his excellent introduction, the "brilliant and profoundly spiritual" Augustine explores the divine mystery of the Verbum infans (the unspeaking infant Word) in fifteen sermons for the Christmas season, two for New Year's, and six for Epiphany. With great pastoral care for his congregation, Augustine expounds the Christian creed, exposes the heretical fallacies of his time, explains difficult passages of Scripture, praises God's infinite and ineffable mercy, and works to resolve his listeners' doubts—all in language that is accessible to the ordinary layperson. Above all, Augustine asks us to celebrate with deepest joy and gratitude the "wondrous humility" of the omnipotent and divine Word's coming into this world as a helpless human infant.

* * *

Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Christmas Sermons Translated and edited by Edwin H. Robertson

Hanged on April 9, 1945, for conspiring in a plot to assassinate Hitler, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was one of the most unforgettable Christian writers of the 20th century. He writes that Advent is genuinely celebrated by "those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, who look forward to something greater to come." This collection of his complete Advent sermons challenges us to consider how Christ's incarnation can transform our lives. It also includes insightful biographical information.

* * *

Advent and Christmas Wisdom from St. Thomas Aquinas By Andrew Carl Wisdom, OP

Through the writings and prayers of this Doctor of the Church and founder of the Order of the Preachers (Dominicans), this Christmas book calls us to loving action founded on the discipline of daily prayer. Its devotions from Advent through Christmas lead us into intimacy with God. Each includes a reflection from Aquinas, Scripture verses, a prayer, and a call to action that helps us live out God's new birth in some practical way each day, thus emulating Aquinas's goal: "Nothing but you, Lord. Nothing but you."

* * *

Bernard of Clairvaux: Sermons for Advent and the Christmas Season Translated by Irene Edmonds, Wendy Mary Beckett, and Conrad Greenia

Based on the critical Latin edition by Jean Leclercq and H. M. Rochais, this scholarly collection succeeds in being both engaging and readable. It includes an excellent introduction by Wim Verbaal, situating the reader in Bernard's 12th century milieu, when he was an unknown Cistercian abbot. It includes seven sermons on the Lord's Advent; six on the eve of Christ's birth; five on the Lord's "birthday"; one on the feasts of St. Stephen, St. John, and the Holy Innocents; three on the Lord's Epiphany; and several for afterwards, all with this eternally vibrant theme: "There will be no lack of what you can do so long as you do not lack brotherly love."

* * *

Martin Luther's Christmas Book Edited by Roland H. Bainton

The well-known Reformation scholar and author Roland H. Bainton (d. 1984) here presents 30 timely excerpts from Martin Luther's Christmas sermons, nine Nativity illustrations by Luther's contemporaries (including four by Albrecht Dürer), and two of Luther's five Christmas carols. Luther's down-to-earth meditations on the reality of Christ's birth—Mary's cold and lonely stress, Joseph's misgivings, Herod's scheming, the wise men's questions, and the divine baby's naked accessibility—reveal the miracle of the Incarnation as a real event in history. Luther's message is that we should keep Christmas every day of the year.

read more

The Exorcist as a Christmas Special?

While I am reluctant to criticise our public television, I wonder whose bright idea it is to screen such a movie and by what leap of logic to bill it as a Christmas Special?

CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA

(PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA)

Address: 10, Jalan 11/9, Section 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Telephone: (03) 7957 1278, (03) 7957 146, Fax: (03) 7957 1457

Email: cfmsia@yahoo.co.uk

9 December 2009

CFM STATEMENT ON THE EXORCIST III movie shown on NTV7

on 5 Dec 2009 SATURDAY at 11PM

THE EXORCIST III MOVIE DOES NOT REFLECT CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) strongly objects to the recent showing of the movie The Exorcist III by NTV7 on 5 December 2009 at 11pm which was promoted by the network as a “Christmas Special”.

The CFM, which represents the Christian community in Malaysia, views with disdain the decision of the network to broadcast a satanic and horror movie for public viewing and to say that it is in connection with the season of Christmas. Such a programming decision is utterly incomprehensible and wholly inappropriate.

If indeed it is the genuine desire of the network to broadcast movies as part of a “Christmas Special”, we feel that the network should be screening movies that exemplify the Christmas spirit of love and sharing rather than a satanic and horror movie. We wonder what message the network is trying to portray to the public about the true meaning of Christmas.

The world is full of violence and horror on a regular basis. Let us at least set aside the season of Christmas, when Christians around the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, as a time to promote love, joy and peace.

signed

Bishop Ng Moon Hing

Chairman and the Executive Committee of the

Christian Federation of Malaysia

A Christmas Cartoon

Cartoon by Kevin Frank

Courtesy www.kevinfrank.net

A Christmas Cartoon

Cartoon by Kevin Frank

Courtesy www.kevinfrank.net

A Children's Christmas

A Children's Christmas

Blessed Christmas

Blessed Christmas to all

.

Blessed Christmas

Blessed Christmas to all

.

John Calvin on Nativity of Jesus Christ

RPM, Volume 10, Number 52, December 21 to December 27 2008

Sermon on the Nativity of Jesus Christ

By John Calvin

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. — Luke 2:1-14

read more

I really enjoyed this transcript of John Calvin's sermon.

John Calvin on Nativity of Jesus Christ

RPM, Volume 10, Number 52, December 21 to December 27 2008

Sermon on the Nativity of Jesus Christ

By John Calvin

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. — Luke 2:1-14

read more

I really enjoyed this transcript of John Calvin's sermon.

Breaking News for Christmas!

This is from Bob Teoh, A Christian journalist in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Dear friends

Christmas Story

This Christmas, I am coming out with a 32-page booklet with a selection of six Christmas stories which I have written since 2000 and published in local newspapers. There is also one story taken strictly from the Bible with full chapter and verse reference and a url link for those who may want to check out for themselves.

These stories are very reader-friendly and are therefore suitable for giving to your neighbours and colleagues. In fact, some of them have even quotes from the Qur'an regarding the birth of Jesus. Though not evangelsitic tracts, these are contextualised Christmas stories to give non-Christians an idea of what Christmas is all about.

They are priced at RM3.00 each, or less than the price of a Christmas card, for the purpose for giving them away. Publication of this booklet is generously and professionally undertaken by http://www.logos-on-wheel.com/.

You can pre-order them at packets of ten (10) each for RM30.00 and it will be delivered or posted to you. You can just bank in the payment through the ATM. Please let me know your order and I will provide you my Maybank account number. Contact me at bobteoh88@gmail.com

They will also be available at the Burning Bush Bookshop at DUMC and other designated bookshops.

Regards and have a blessed Christmas,

Bob Teoh

Breaking News for Christmas!

This is from Bob Teoh, A Christian journalist in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Dear friends

Christmas Story

This Christmas, I am coming out with a 32-page booklet with a selection of six Christmas stories which I have written since 2000 and published in local newspapers. There is also one story taken strictly from the Bible with full chapter and verse reference and a url link for those who may want to check out for themselves.

These stories are very reader-friendly and are therefore suitable for giving to your neighbours and colleagues. In fact, some of them have even quotes from the Qur'an regarding the birth of Jesus. Though not evangelsitic tracts, these are contextualised Christmas stories to give non-Christians an idea of what Christmas is all about.

They are priced at RM3.00 each, or less than the price of a Christmas card, for the purpose for giving them away. Publication of this booklet is generously and professionally undertaken by http://www.logos-on-wheel.com/.

You can pre-order them at packets of ten (10) each for RM30.00 and it will be delivered or posted to you. You can just bank in the payment through the ATM. Please let me know your order and I will provide you my Maybank account number. Contact me at bobteoh88@gmail.com

They will also be available at the Burning Bush Bookshop at DUMC and other designated bookshops.

Regards and have a blessed Christmas,

Bob Teoh

Entertainment Theology?

Barry Taylor (2008), Entertainment Theology: New Edge Spirituality in a Digital Democracy, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic

Barry Taylor is artist in residence for the Brehm center and an adjunct professor at Fuller Theological Seminary where he taught classes on music, film and contemporary theology. He is also an associate rector at All Saints Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills.

The engagement of Christianity and culture has always been a thorny issue and in the past many would have been burnt on the stake for their heretic views. However, with post-Christendom, post-modernism and the rise of Web 2.0, the context of theology and Christianity has radically changed.

However, Christianity has not been willing to change but cling to its old structure and organisation. Taylor argues for a 'democratized spirituality' in that Christianity must decentralise and become a people's religion. He is arguing for a change in the form but not the content of the faith. The form will ride along the with the 'new globalized cultural imaginary.' There will hence be many Christian spiritualities instead of one 'old fashioned Christianity.' These Christian spiritualities will embrace many of the good features of the prevalent culture. The gospel message will be transmitted along the channels which entertainment is delivered to us today.

Taylor makes a strong case for Christianity to remain relevant to the prevailing culture. However, he sometimes skirt too close to the line that demarcate inclusiveness and exclusiveness of Christianity.

.

Entertainment Theology?

Barry Taylor (2008), Entertainment Theology: New Edge Spirituality in a Digital Democracy, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic

Barry Taylor is artist in residence for the Brehm center and an adjunct professor at Fuller Theological Seminary where he taught classes on music, film and contemporary theology. He is also an associate rector at All Saints Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills.

The engagement of Christianity and culture has always been a thorny issue and in the past many would have been burnt on the stake for their heretic views. However, with post-Christendom, post-modernism and the rise of Web 2.0, the context of theology and Christianity has radically changed.

However, Christianity has not been willing to change but cling to its old structure and organisation. Taylor argues for a 'democratized spirituality' in that Christianity must decentralise and become a people's religion. He is arguing for a change in the form but not the content of the faith. The form will ride along the with the 'new globalized cultural imaginary.' There will hence be many Christian spiritualities instead of one 'old fashioned Christianity.' These Christian spiritualities will embrace many of the good features of the prevalent culture. The gospel message will be transmitted along the channels which entertainment is delivered to us today.

Taylor makes a strong case for Christianity to remain relevant to the prevailing culture. However, he sometimes skirt too close to the line that demarcate inclusiveness and exclusiveness of Christianity.

.

Season of Christmas

The nativity of our Lord is celebrated on December 25, followed by the festivals of the next two Sundays, which falls between December 26 to January 1, and January 2 and 5 respectively. The season of Christmas is a transition between Advent, waiting on the coming of the Savior, and Epiphany, encountering the Son of God himself.


.

Season of Christmas

The nativity of our Lord is celebrated on December 25, followed by the festivals of the next two Sundays, which falls between December 26 to January 1, and January 2 and 5 respectively. The season of Christmas is a transition between Advent, waiting on the coming of the Savior, and Epiphany, encountering the Son of God himself.


.

Blessed Christmas 2007

It's a Wonder-Full Life
It takes a special kind of birth to grab the world's attention.
Eugene Peterson posted 12/21/2007 10:11AM

Birth, every human birth, is an occasion for local wonder. In Jesus' birth the wonder is extrapolated across the screen of all creation and all history as a God-birth. "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us"—moved into the neighborhood, so to speak. And for thirty years or so, men and women saw God in speech and action in the entirely human person of Jesus as he was subject, along with them, to the common historical conditions of, as Charles Williams once put it, "Jewish religion, Roman order, and Greek intellect." These were not credulous people and it was not easy for them to believe, but they did. That God was made incarnate as a human baby is still not easy to believe, but people continue to do so. Many, even those who don't "believe," find themselves happy to participate in the giving and receiving, singing and celebrating of those who do.
Incarnation, in-flesh-ment, God in human form in Jesus entering our history: this is what started Christmas. This is what keeps Christmas going.

read complete article here

.

Blessed Christmas 2007

It's a Wonder-Full Life
It takes a special kind of birth to grab the world's attention.
Eugene Peterson posted 12/21/2007 10:11AM

Birth, every human birth, is an occasion for local wonder. In Jesus' birth the wonder is extrapolated across the screen of all creation and all history as a God-birth. "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us"—moved into the neighborhood, so to speak. And for thirty years or so, men and women saw God in speech and action in the entirely human person of Jesus as he was subject, along with them, to the common historical conditions of, as Charles Williams once put it, "Jewish religion, Roman order, and Greek intellect." These were not credulous people and it was not easy for them to believe, but they did. That God was made incarnate as a human baby is still not easy to believe, but people continue to do so. Many, even those who don't "believe," find themselves happy to participate in the giving and receiving, singing and celebrating of those who do.
Incarnation, in-flesh-ment, God in human form in Jesus entering our history: this is what started Christmas. This is what keeps Christmas going.

read complete article here

.