Echoes of Emmanuel – Winter’s Gift
What Is “In the Bleak Midwinter” About? Beginning with a stark description of winter, this carol is a study in contrasts. The author and poet Christina Rosetti uses vivid imagery to draw us from the weight of spiritual darkness before Christ’s birth, to the majesty of heaven, and back down to the reason Jesus left […]
Echoes of Emmanuel – A Quiet Arrival
Where Did “O Little Town of Bethlehem” Come From? “O Little Town of Bethlehem” began as a poem, written by Rector Phillips Brooks in 1868 for his church’s Sunday School class in Philadelphia. The church organist Lewis H. Redner set the poem to music, and congregations have sung about the town’s “deep and dreamless sleep” […]
Echoes of Emmanuel – Heralding Hope
What can we learn from “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”? As the Christmas season draws near, the timeless carol “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” echoes in churches and homes, inviting us to pause and reflect on the incredible gift of Christ’s birth. Written by Charles Wesley in 1739, this hymn holds a much needed message […]
Who Was James, the Brother of Jesus?
James played a foundational role in the early Church; as the brother of Jesus, he was uniquely positioned to be a leader of early Christians. As we prepare to dig deeper into James’ life and message in our upcoming series, The Book of James, let’s shed some light on some of the most common – […]
Following Jesus When God Isn’t Answering Your Prayers
By: Kyle Idleman I read about a married couple whose relationship was struggling, so they decided the best way to deal with their problems was to go on a daytime talk show. That is a great strategy. Turns out this couple gives each other the silent treatment, sometimes for hours, but often for weeks on […]
How Did Paul Become a Christian?
The story of Paul the Apostle’s conversion is one of Christian history’s most dramatic and transformative episodes. Known first as Saul of Tarsus, his journey from persecutor of Christians to one of Christianity’s most influential figures is a powerful example of the transformative power of faith. To truly understand the magnitude of his conversion, we […]
What Did Paul the Apostle Look Like?
When we think of saints and historical figures like Paul the Apostle, it’s easy to envision the idealized images we often see in medieval and Renaissance art. But Paul, a man whose teachings shaped Christianity, was more than a two-dimensional figure. His physical appearance—described in early Christian writings as unimpressive by some—offers an intriguing glimpse […]
Following Jesus When You Feel Broken
By: Kyle Idleman Have you ever felt broken? Perhaps there’s an area of your life that seems beyond fixing? If so, how does following Jesus touch that are of your life, and how can you let Jesus touch that area of your life? In Matthew 9 we meet two broken men. Both are blind, and […]
Why Was Paul the Apostle Controversial?
Paul the Apostle, known for his prolific writings and extensive missionary work, is one of the most influential figures in Christian history. However, his teachings have sparked controversy from the time he began his ministry to the present day. His views on theology, gender roles, marriage, and social norms often clashed with prevailing cultural and […]
Following Jesus When You Feel Hopeless
By: Kyle Idleman One night I received a call around 9:00 in the evening from a good friend of mine whose wedding I had performed. He told me he and his wife were getting a divorce. I asked, “Well, why don’t you come in and let’s just talk for a little bit. Can we talk? […]
