by Stephen Rodgers

Hello again everyone!  Welcome to a special Christmas edition of the Weekly Links.  There’s enough good stuff here that I’ve made the decision to break it up topically for you so that you can work through it in smaller chunks.  And you should have plenty of time to do so, because the Beacon is taking next week off!  So this (and Spurgeon’s comments tomorrow), will be all you hear from us for a week.  So bookmark this, celebrate Christmas, and come back to do some serious reading when you get the chance.

The Story of Christmas

Before we go to far, let’s take a moment to remember what Christmas is all about.

• Kevin DeYoung has an excellent 4-part series on the Christmas story that can be found here.
• Al Mohler writes that the story of Christmas began long before the first chapter of Matthew.
• CJ Mahaney reminds us that in a certain sense, Christmas is our fault, and we should be disturbed about that.  Joyful as well…but disturbed.
• John Starke has an article in a similar vein where he contrasts the root of original sin (wanting to become like God: Genesis 3:5) with Christ’s incarnation, where He became like us!
• Frank Turk explains how Christmas in one sense isn’t about love and joy and thanks…but about the wrath of God. And if you don’t understand that, perhaps that’s why it’s so hard for you to be loving and joyful and thankful?
• Mike Crosper tells us that Christmas is properly understood as the hinge of history.  I don’t think he’s wrong at all.
• Douglas Wilson also reminds us that Christmas, Good Friday, and Easter are all connected events, that the incarnation is a necessary part of the Gospel, and that the offer He came to make possible is still available.

The Virgin Birth

What about the virgin birth?  Does it really matter?

• Al Mohler has several articles on the topic of the virgin birth.  He traces the roots of the denial of this doctrine through history and modernity, shows how it has recently come under attack again, and then pens a follow-up to that piece showing how clearly the battle lines have been drawn on this issue.
• In case you missed it, last week our very own Pastor Patrick gave a sermon on this very subject.

Christmas Apologetics

Sometimes people like to argue about what really happened at Christmas.  It’s good to have answers for them (1 Peter 3:15).

• There are a lot of topics and subjects related to Christmas apologetics, so I’ll just give you a solid place to start: Triablogue has several wrap-up posts dealing with Christmas apologetics from 2008, 2009, and 2010.  That’s one of the best places you could start.  And if you have more questions about historical Christmas events, alleged pagan traditions, the use of December 25th, etc…their blog is still one of the best places you could start.  Period.
• I love those guys.

Christmas Treats and Trials

Christmas can be a wonderful time, but it also comes with some unique challenges regarding relationships and family.

• CJ Mahaney instructs us that of all the gifts that you can give at Christmas, one that is commonly overlooked is the gift of Christian speech.
• Tony Reinke and Chris Castaldo both focus on the fact that Christmas is an opportunity to be with family…although that can be difficult at times.  Tony re-purposes a sermon from the inimitable Spurgeon on how to approach our interaction with family, and Tony has some other good advice on how to balance the real meaning of Christmas and celebrating Christmas with unbelieving family.  Knowing many of the people at our church are in this position, I think both will be helpful.

Santa Claus, Christmas Trees, and Other Holiday Cheer

Is it wrong for a Christian to celebrate Christmas?  What about Santa Claus, trees, presents, and “X-Mas?”

• RC Sproul reminds us not to overemphasize our opposition to the pagan or commercial elements of Christmas.  He offers some good advice on enjoying the frivolity in light of the truth.  He also pens an article on what it REALLY means when someone writes “X-Mas” instead of “Christmas.”
• Sinclair Ferguson tells us that even though we are quick to vilify Santa Claus, we have a nasty habit of trying to turn Jesus Christ into Santa Claus…some sort of freakish Santa Christ.
• Mark Driscoll explores the origins of the Santa Claus myth in his article on Saint Nicholas.  He also writes about what he tells his own children about Santa Claus.
• Bill Clem briefly pokes at the beginning of the custom of using Christmas trees to celebrate the holiday.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Pro Rege