Each year, much of the buzz about Christians from the church’s perspective comes to demystify tradition and correct some of the fluff and additives that got mixed in with the biblical story. This article is in that camp. It is a good reminder and view of the Christmas story.

This is the real story of Christmas, the heart of Christianity: brokenness and new birth. The same God who birthed life into Sarah’s dead womb had now breathed life into Elizabeth and Mary. And Mary’s child’s life, death, and resurrection would breathe new birth into God’s people through the ages.

You can read the full article here.

When I hear Jesus say, “fish for people,” the mental image in my mind is this; one. Who is that one I’m searching for? The one I have bait for. The one I have time for. Who is my one? In fact a couple years back that was the drum I was beating… “Who is your one?”I think this is a more accurate picture of what Jesus might have been going for because the men he was talking to weren’t using a single rod. They were using a net.

Fishing for people is our mission. To fulfill the words and commands of Christ. To follow in the footsteps of those who followed him. This article by Stan Rodda helps us zero in on some practical steps and reminds us of some essential truths.

How are you casting your net today? Are you in a part of the sea where there are many fish? The market isn’t filled with fish from the local pond.

Consider taking the One Year Challenge, going to places where there is great need, and seeing how God will use your faith.

So He called out to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” “No,” they answered. He told them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it there, and they were unable to haul it in because of the great number of fish.

John 21:5-6

You can read the full article here.