Good News of Great Joy

On December 22, 2025December 20, 2025 By BrianIn PASSION ReflectionsLeave a comment

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11 (ESV)

In the midst of all the bad news of shootings, strife, sorrow, struggles, and suffering, God offers us good news.

At this Christmas time, when everyone is searching for a great deals, great presents, great Christmas goodies, great decorations, great warm fuzzy feelings, and great family time, God offers us great joy.

In a world full of “haves” and and “have nots,” God offers this good news of great joy to all the people.

And what is this good news of great joy for all the people? It is the birth of a baby, who is called a Savior, King, and Lord.

He is a Savior from the penalty and power of sin, and one day from the presence of sin and all its miserable results.

He is a King, who will one day usher in a glorious eternal kingdom of righteousness, justice, and peace.

He is the Lord – God become man. Immanuel – God with us.

This Christmas may you embrace this good news of great joy for all the people. Embrace Jesus, your Savior, King, and Lord.

Christmas Collection

On December 24, 2018December 24, 2018 By BrianIn Holidays, PASSION Collections

Here are some good posts for Christmas:

God’s Passion for God at Christmas – John Piper (Crossway)

Even as a Secular Holiday, Christmas Makes the Gospel Accessible – Tim Keller (TGC)

How to Love Hard People at Christmas – David Mathis (DG)

An Open Letter to the Depressed Christian at Christmas – David Murray (Crossway)

Christmas for the Weary– Sam Allberry (TGC)

Far as the Curse Is Found Nancy Guthrie (DG)

Hope you have a merry Christmas!

Passion Points

On December 23, 2017 By BrianIn Holidays, PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your long Christmas weekend:

Into the Darkness He Came – Jon Bloom (DG)

3 Things Mary Knew About Her Baby Boy – Jonathan Toutley (TGC)

Mary, Did You Know? What the Catholic Church Teaches About the Mother of Jesus – Thomas Schreine (DG)

Singing ‘Peace on Earth’ When Your Heart Is Heavy – Trevin Wax

How to Share Your Story This Christmas: Counsel from Charles Spurgeon – Tony Reinke

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day and a merry Christmas!

I Wonder

On December 24, 2016December 24, 2016 By BrianIn Sermon Songs

MusicNotes

I wonder as I wander out under the sky
How God became human just like you and I
Our God in a manger – hear the baby cry
I wonder as I wander out under the sky

I wonder as I wander out under the trees
How our God could now dwell within our bodies
We walk with our Lord, He walks with you and me
I wonder as I wander out under the trees

I wonder as I wander out under the sky
How God took on our flesh so that he could die
The sinless became sin for you and for I
I wonder as I wander out under the sky

I wonder as I wander out under the trees
How a holy God could forgive one like me
If only I believe no more penalty
I wonder as I wonder out under the trees

I wonder as I wander out under the sky
How the King of Kings in a manger did lie
His kingdom’s forever, His coming is nigh
I wonder as I wander out under the sky

I wonder as I wander in my wanderings
In awe I will worship my glorious king
I’ll live for his honor, of his grace I’ll sing
I wonder as I wander in my wanderings

Borrowing from the first verse and using
the tune of “I Wonder As I Wander”

Christmas Collection

On December 24, 2016 By BrianIn Holidays, PASSION Collections

Here is another collection of good Christmas posts:

The Irrepressible Christ of Christmas – Sam Storms

Why I Changed My Mind on Nativity Scenes – Alistair Begg (TGC)

Christmas Songs Are Freedom Songs – Stephen Miller (TGC)

10 Things You Should Know about the Incarnation – Stephen Wellum (Crossway)

10 Things You Should Know about Christmas – Andreas J. Köstenberger (Crossway)

The Fullness of God Dwelled in a Womb – Jared Wilson (FTC)

Hope you have a wonder-filled Christmas celebrating the birth of Jesus!

Christmas Collection

On December 21, 2016 By BrianIn Holidays, PASSION Collections1 Comment

Here are some good posts for Christmas:

Jesus Isn’t Threatened by Your Christmas Gifts – Tim Challies

10 Ways to Be a Christian this Christmas – Kevin DeYoung

How to Show Your Kids Grace This Christmas – Jessica Thompson (Crossway)

3 Ways to Become a Christmas-Loving Pastor – Ronnie Martin (TGC)

Why He Came

On December 19, 2016December 19, 2016 By BrianIn PASSION Quotes2 Comments

In Christ’s first coming, He implemented a rescue plan conceived in the mind of God before the foundation of the world. He did not come to promote holiday cheer, boost end-of-year sales, or serve as the central figure in a nativity scene. He came to save sinners.

– Joel Beeke & William Boekestein in Why Christ Came

Current

On November 12, 2015November 12, 2015 By BrianIn Current Collection

Here are some good posts about current events and issues related to the church and culture:

The Transgender Movement and Government Overreach: Why it Matters – Andrew Walker (ERLC) – In response to the Education Department’s rejection of an Illinois school policy.

The Blind Eyes of Abortion – John Knight (DG) – In response to the latest undercover video release about Planned Parenthood.

Christmas Is Not For Cranks – Kevin DeYoung – In response to the Starbucks red coffee cups.