All Christmas articles – Page 3
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Magazine FeaturesCome, Lord Jesus: Longing for Jesus’ return this Advent
In this season of Advent, the Church doesn’t just look back to the birth of Jesus in a stable, but forward to Christ’s second coming, says Rt Rev Dr Jill Duff
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ReviewsJourney to Bethlehem: When the Bible meets High School Musical
This Christmas musical fails to hit the right chords, says Tim Bechervaise
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OpinionWho will fight for today’s Holy Innocents?
We’re entering the season where the Church remembers the innocent babies murdered by Herod. But where is the outrage for the hundreds of thousands of unborn children killed by abortion every year in the UK today, asks Tim Lewis
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Magazine FeaturesChristmas as you’ve never seen it before
A Church of England priest introduces her artistic re-imaginings of the first Christmas
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Magazine FeaturesSheila Walsh: The best Christmas I ever had
It’s easy to miss the thing right in front of you, says Sheila Walsh, even when it’s what you need most in the world
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OpinionWhy the Church in Bethlehem has cancelled Christmas
The authorities in Bethlehem have decided not to display their annual nativity scene or Christmas tree in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. But is this a missed opportunity to build a bridge between the two sides?
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Opinion3 ways to ensure your carol service is not a waste of time
Christmas is the time of year when people who never usually attend a Sunday service suddenly stream through the doors. But how can we ensure that at least some of them come back again? Derek Hughes offers his top tips
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OpinionSex toys in advent calendars? It’s the antithesis of Christmas
The advent calendar was designed as a spiritual discipline to help Christians prepare for the coming of Christ. But designer versions, or ones filled with expensive gifts, alcohol and even sex toys, are instead turning them into a platform for vice and excess, says Dr Gavin Ashenden
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OpinionThe M&S Christmas advert isn’t selfish. It’s realistic
Some Christians have expressed their strong dislike for the M&S Christmas ad. But for Chine McDonald, it’s a healthy reminder that we all need setting free from impossible standards, and the need to keep up appearances
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OpinionThe Christmas adverts have arrived! Here are 7 thoughts for Christians to ponder
This year’s Christmas ads cover a myriad of emotions from joy to heartache, says Tim Bechervaise. From the controversial M&S offering to Shelter’s heartbreaking reminder that all is not sparkly and bright for everyone this festive season, here’s his analysis of what Christians can learn from them
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OpinionToo many Christians are feeding mouths but neglecting souls. I have a plan to change that
It's time to preach and witness the Gospel to a generation and society in desperate need of God, says Jonathan Oloyede
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News AnalysisWhat King Charles’s first Christmas message revealed about his Christian faith
King Charles III’s record-breaking Christmas Day broadcast highlighted the fine balancing act that a believing monarch in a secular society must tread, says Catherine Pepinster
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OpinionJoseph's silent submission to Mary's God-given calling is real biblical manhood
Not a word in scripture is attributed to Jesus’ adoptive father. Yet in quietly caring for Mary despite the scandal that surrounded her pregnancy, he sets an example for men everywhere, says Michael Frost
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OpinionWant more joy this Christmas? Follow Jesus example of service
At Christmas, we remember our Servant King, who gave up the status and privilege of heaven to take on human form. But Jesus also commands us to follow his example and serve others rather than ourselves, says Billy Hill
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OpinionSimeon’s joy can be yours too this Christmas
When Simeon looked at the baby Jesus, he realised how significant his birth – and death – would be. It brought deep joy and peace to his heart, and it can to ours, too, says Bob Lepine
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OpinionAre you a ‘Christmas-only Christian’? Here’s 4 ways to go deeper in your faith
Going to church once or twice a year can’t earn us our salvation. Nor will it give us the life of abundant joy that a relationship with Jesus can
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OpinionIn an absurd move, Brighton Uni is banning the word ‘Christmas’. It won’t stop me talking about Jesus
A university issuing guidance to avoid the word Christmas would have once provoked outrage in James Mildred. But nowadays, he’s learning to shrug his shoulders and focus on something far more important
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Magazine FeaturesThe surprise of Christmas
Into the darkness of Galilee a great light came. RT Kendall wonders if we could be on the cusp of our own revival this Christmas
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OpinionThe hymn says: ‘God rest ye merry gentlemen’ but what does that really mean?
Where the comma sits in ‘God rest ye merry gentleman’ has been debated by scholars for years. Bob Lepine explains why Christians should care
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Opinion3 things churches get wrong at Christmas – and how to fix them
Christmas is a time of great celebration, says Chris Goswami. But we must be careful not to assume that everyone finds it easy, and that we’re giving a good invitation to a year-round, life-long relationship with Jesus
