[the case for christmas] introduction

I think that everyone knows why we celebrate Christmas…  at least generally speaking. Most people can tell you all about how Jesus, the supposed Son of God, was born in a manger in Bethlehem. Even those who are not certain about who Jesus is still recognize that it is a time when we celebrate things like peace and hope and goodwill towards men.

But most of us also know that this religious celebration has become an over-commercialized celebration, and much of the real meaning for this celebration is lost in ancient and modern rituals.

Even those of us with the best intentions of keeping with the true meaning of this Holy Celebration, still get wrapped up in events and activities that cause us to loose focus on how important this day really is.

Simply put, the Christian view is that this is the day that God became man in order to save us from our own self-destruction. This God-man was named Jesus, and His entrance into this world changed everything, forever.

His impact on history is unmistakable. He has changed my life. And if you are reading this right now, then he has changed (or is in the process of changing) your life. His presence on this Earth has caused nothing short of a revolution in the human condition.

But we are here to talk specifically about Christmas. What does this holiday really mean? Why do so many celebrate the birth of this man? What I can tell you is that the answer to these (and many more) questions depends on what you believe about who that child in the manger was over 2,000 years ago. If he was just a man, then Christmas is just an old tradition when families get together and try to be nice to each other.

But…

If Jesus really was the Son of God who came to save us from our sins, then Christmas is a day that should drive us to our knees in worship of the Creator who would sacrifice of Himself in order to be with us for eternity.

This distinction is a big deal. I mean a really big deal.

So as a team of amazing bloggers works through Lee Strobel’s book The Case for Christmas, I just pray that your heart is open to the Truth. And as we explore the eyewitness, scientific, profile and fingerprint evidence, I pray that the Holy Spirit give you the discernment to know the Truth not only in your mind, but also in your heart. And as you know the Truth, may the Truth set you free!

So, who do you say that He is?

 

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how to [generate] creativity

Take one part courage, one part passion, and one part crazy. Mix all of that together with a few talented people who are willing to sacrifice of themselves in order to accomplish a dream, and then top it all off with some dedicated Christ-followers with a story to tell.

The end result = a piece of art that will [hopefully] be remembered for a long time!

When I first heard about the start-up magazine called GENERATE, I was excited just to find an opportunity to contribute some of my work and experiences. But eventually what I found was that I got to be a part [even if it is a small part] of something special.

And now that I’m holding my copy of the inaugural issue in my hands, I am even more honored to have had the opportunity to contribute to something so awesome.

The first issue of GENERATE just hit mailboxes within the last week, and I can’t already can’t wait until the next issue comes out! And this isn’t a magazine that is going to get relegated to magazine rack duty. Oh no… This is one that rivals the coffee table books that I am often proud to display for all to see!

The stories are raw and real.

The poetry is beautiful and borders on worship.

The interviews are thought-provoking.

The photography and artwork reflect God in an awe inspiring way.

And the overall design is just…   cool.

The end result is a magazine that will make you think and feel, laugh and cry, rejoice and get mad. This magazine is a great collection that reflects the Spirit of Christianity in our day. I think that Makeesha Fisher [executive editor and one of the founders] says it best when she states…

…what I value so much is the collective voice that is coming through. A voice that is honest and conflicted but filled with a generous hope that is so compelling to me. I’d like to focus on the value of story and the inspiration and hope-giving power of telling and hearing our stories. The collective narrative holds no value without the telling and the hearing — which also means that we cannot chronicle and pass along our story as Christians without one another.

Well done GENERATE team! And if you haven’t seen GENERATE yet, then I strongly recommend that you subscribe now.