3 Christmas Rap Albums You May Not Know About

by | Dec 18, 2018 | Christian, Christian Dad, Christmas, Music | 0 comments

Keep Tha C In The Center
A.H.M.A.D.D.

AHMADD is a close friend and mentor of mine who is a veteran in Christian hip-hop.  This album is a reminder that Jesus should be in the center of Christmas. AHMADD points to Jesus in the rough times, he reminds us of the reason Jesus came, and to keep Christ in the center in the midst of our Christmas celebrations.  My favorite track on the album is “The Story” as AHMADD raps passionately about the the birth of Jesus and how he came to save us as he says “Man was severed from the Father so he stood between.  Matter of fact, he hung between heaven and earth to pay a price so we could be redeemed.”

Because of my personal relationship with AHMADD, I can tell you he is a great man of God and is filled with the Spirit.  He is also the founder of MovementUp as well as the pastor of the Methodist Children’s home in Waco, Texas.  Click below and purchase this album to support this local artist.

The Gift: A Christmas Compilation
116

Lecrae, Trip Lee, Tedashii, and Derek Minor are just a few of the well known artists on this album.  Most of the album covers well known Christmas songs such as O’ Come All Ye Faithful, Joy To The World, and Silent Night.  Of all 3 Christmas albums on this list, this one has the least lyrical rap content as it displays a great amount of singing throughout.  This is definitely different than any 116 album I have heard to date, but I think this is an album the entire family can enjoy even if some of the family doesn’t really enjoy hip hop.  Enjoy it this Christmas by clicking below to sample or purchase. 

Gift Rap
The Cross Movement

This is the oldest album on the list.  I remember listening to this when I was in high school!  This album gives deep biblical and theological content and is centered on Jesus. My favorite track on the album is “Different Kind of Christmas” as It deals with real issues such as dealing with the death of a loved one at Christmas, and the hope of Jesus Christ even in the midst of death. A close second is “Wisemen” that gives a modern twist to the narrative of the wisemen traveling to see Jesus on the first Christmas night.  Check it out below! 

My Top Family Devotionals For Kids

by | Dec 11, 2018 | books, Christian, Christian Dad, Christmas, discipleship, kids | 0 comments

The Jesus Storybook Bible
Sally Lloyd Jones

I don’t think I will ever be able to recommend this book enough.  This book is so special because it shows how all of Scripture points to Jesus.  Many times in the lives of Christians, we see parts of the Scriptures as disconnected from other parts which is not how God wants us to see it.  He has woven together his story that fits perfectly together and points directly to Jesus as Lord and Savior. If you do not have this book, this is a perfect gift to give your kids for Christmas this year.  I recommend this book even for adults.  Click here for an adult friendly version.

 

Indescribable: 100 Devotions About God and Science
Louie Giglio

This is the book that I am sure my son, Jace, recommends the most.  This book shows how science displays the glory of God. It includes Scripture, interesting scientific findings, captivating artwork, hands-on activities, and closing prayers for each devotion.  This book truly displays how incredible and “indescribable” is our God.

The Big Picture Interactive Bible Stroybook
B&H Editorial Team 

You might think this just another version of The Jesus Storybook Bible, but it’s much more than that.  It is actually longer and more in depth. It is 321 pages long, packed with 83 stories from the Old Testament and 63 stories from the New Testament. What’s unique about this Bible is that you can download a free app that makes the stories jump off the page and come to life!  It also has a letter to parents at the beginning of the book that explains how the book works.  Furthermore, If your church uses Lifeway’s The Gospel Project curriculum for Kids, this is a great supplement for it. The most important thing about this book is that is has a “Christ Connection” at the end of each story that shows how each story points to Christ.

Have a toddler?  Try the toddler version.

The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden
Kevin DeYoung

This book also shows that the overarching theme of the Scriptures is God’s plan to redeem his people from what was lost in the Garden of Eden.  It’s subtitle is self explanatory as the entire book hints that the Snake Crusher is coming to make things right again.   

A unique aspect of this book is that the author speaks of 2 significant themes.
1. Jesus is the second Adam. What Adam failed to do, Jesus did perfectly.
2. The “garden”.  The biblical story starts in a garden in Genesis 1 and ends in a garden in Revelation 22. As rebels, we were all removed from the garden and we all long to return.  The return to is only possible through the second Adam, Jesus Christ.

I hope you will consider buying one or two of these books for your children this Christmas!   I know they will be a blessing to the entire family.

If you have books that you recommend for children’s devotionals, please leave a comment.

You are loved in Christ,

Jeremy  

Is Christ Central in Your Home This Christmas?

by | Dec 10, 2018 | books, Christian, Christian Dad, Christmas, discipleship, kids | 0 comments

Sometimes, as parents, we scratch our heads over how we can truly allow Jesus to be the central figure of Christmas. It seems strange to even say that because in reality, Jesus is the central figure of Christmas whether we acknowledge it or not. But I just wonder how many of our Christian homes truly allow him to be. I use the word “allow” because it’s not just going to happen. Jesus is not going to barge into your home and force himself to be central to your Christmas. If we are going to allow him to be central, we must not be passive, but proactive.

 

Why are we so passive?

I don’t think Christian parents are passive because they want to be passive. Nor do I think they are simply apathetic toward Jesus being central to Christmas in their homes. As Christians we are passionate about Jesus. We know he is the promised Messiah who came to save his people from their sin and reconcile them back to God. Without Jesus we would be hopeless! Everything we would ever need in our lives was lying in that manger on that first Christmas night. We know this! We give our very lives for this message we call the gospel.  So perhaps we are passive not because we are apathetic, but because we do not know how to be proactive.

 

How does Jesus become central?

So the question is, how do we take that passion for Jesus and use it allow Jesus to be the central figure of Christmas in our homes? Unfortunately, I do not have all the answers to this question but I do think there are some small things we can do that will take little work on our part.

My Merry Christmas

In a previous blog post I recommended a book called “My Merry Christmas” by Sally Lloyd Jones. In this very short, but meaningful children’s book, the author ties familiar Christmas symbols to the true meaning of Christmas, Jesus Christ. This is helpful because this actually allows Jesus to become central in your home this Christmas. I have said “central” many times in this blog and this is why: Many Christians have a list of priorities that read something like this:
1. Jesus
2. Family
3. Work

Although this looks good, this is not keeping Jesus central. Keeping Jesus central means he is number 1 in everything, not simply number 1 on a list of other priorities.  He is the priority! He is number 1 in our families, our jobs, our hobbies…etc. So when it comes to Christmas, it is no different. Many people keep Jesus first during Christmas, but have not yet allowed him to become central. For example, we may read the Christmas story from the gospel of Luke before we open presents on Christmas morning. But then little is said of Jesus for the rest of the day.

 

Jesus in everything

When Jesus is central to our Christmas, we see Jesus in everything. Everything we do or open points us to Jesus. The lights on the tree point us to Jesus as the light of the world. The green Christmas tree is a symbol of life that points us to Jesus being the one who gives us true life. The food we eat gives us satisfaction but ultimately points to the one who ultimately satisfies our souls, Jesus Christ. The gifts under the tree point us to Jesus as our ultimate gift given to us because God loves us so much. All other gifts will get old and go into the garbage one day, but the gift God has given us in Jesus will last forever.

For more examples of how to point your kids to Jesus using Christmas symbols, please click the image below to purchase “My Merry Christmas.” You can download the Kindle version for only $3.03 and use it tonight!

 

 

Making it Practical

Is your home Christ-centered this Christmas?  Are there some small adjustments you can make in order to allow Jesus to be central to your Christmas?  Perhaps before you open presents this year you will remind everyone of the true gift of Jesus Christ. Maybe when you are around your Christmas tree or looking at Christmas lights, you will remind your children that the lights represent Jesus being the light and he empowers us to be his light in such a dark world. None of this takes prep time, it only takes a commitment to be faithful in pointing your kids to Jesus.

 

God will use you!

I can almost guarantee you this will be awkward at first, but I promise God will bless your faithfulness as parents and empower you to do this.  He is not reluctant to work through you. He wants your home to be Christ-centered more than you do! So step out in faith and watch God go to work.  Think of the conversations you can have with your kids. Think of the legacy you can pass down to them when they have kids of their own. More than that, think of the impact you will have on God’s Kingdom as you point them to their Savior, Jesus Christ.

Merry Christ(centered)mas!

 

Jeremy

 

5 Ways to Help Your Children Focus on Jesus This Christmas

by | Dec 24, 2017 | Christian Dad, Christmas | 0 comments

Every year, my son will ask me, “Daddy, when is it going to be Christmas?” He asks this several times in anticipation that Christmas is coming soon. He is so excited about the toys he will receive that he can hardly stand it. One of the things he absolutely hates is when we are at the store and he asks for a toy and I say, “Not today. Maybe for Christmas!” “You always say that!” He often replies. (He’s right. I do use that line quite a bit!) But when Christmas finally comes, it is so exciting to see his eyes light up as receives all of his presents.

As parents, maybe you have a similar experience. You enjoy buying gifts for your children and have so much fun watching them receive all of it. It’s a blessing to be able to see your child’s eyes light up in excitement.

But what if something is missing?

As Jace gets older I consider more and more his spiritual development. In many situations I ask myself if there is an opportunity to show him the gospel of Jesus Christ. Christmas should be an easy one, but it can become so busy that we miss one of the greatest opportunities of the year.

So how can I do this?

In the midst of opening presents, eating, and playing with new toys, I hope you will consider these five things you can do to focus on the true meaning of Christmas: The birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

1.  Pray

Don’t forget this one! Before you do anything, pray that the true meaning of Christmas would be enlightened in your hearts this season. If we fail to pray then we will fail to rely on and see the one who is truly doing the work in you and in your children. Remember, you do not possess any power to help your child focus on Jesus. That is the job of the Holy Spirit. Your job is to be faithful.

2. Read the Christmas story as a family using Luke 2:1-20

This is often a tradition for some families, but if it’s not yet a tradition, this can be the perfect time to start it. Allow the kids to be a part of the story by asking them questions about what they heard. Yes, this may be awkward at first, and it’s possible the kids will just be ready to get finished so they can play with their toys, but anytime we open Scripture and read God’s word to our children, God will use it and honor it.

3. Read the names of Jesus together

Do this with your children to help them see how incredible it is that the “King of Kings” and the “Lord of Lords” came to earth as a baby. Below is a list of some of the names of Jesus found in Scripture:

Almighty (Revelation 1:8)

Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8)

Advocate (I John 2:1)

Author of Eternal Salvation (Hebrews 5:9)

Beloved Son (Matthew 12:18)

Bread of Life (John 6:32)

Cornerstone (Psalm 118:22)

Creator (I Corinthians 1:16-17)

Deliverer (I Thessalonians 1:10)

Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6)

Founder and Perfecter of our Faith (Hebrews 12:2)

Good Shepherd (John 10:11)

Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14)

I am (John 8:58)

Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14)

King of Kings (Revelation 17:14)

Lamb of God (John 1:29)

Light of the World (John 8:12)

Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16)

Messiah (John 1:41)

Mighty One (Isaiah 60:16)

Our Hope (I Timothy 1:1)

Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)

Savior (Luke 2:11)

Son of Man (Luke 19:10)

Son of God (Luke 1:32)

The Word (John 1:1)

Victorious One (Revelation 3:21)

4. Sing Christmas Carols together

Kids love singing, so what better way to share the gospel with them than singing Christmas Carols during Christmas? Sing the song, then ask them questions about it. For example, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King!” So I might ask my son, “Who is the Lord?” “Who is this King?” Depending on the age and maturity of the child, you may want to go into deeper questions such as, “Why is he the King?” “Why is it such a joyful thing that he is come?”

Again, this may be a little awkward if you have never done it, but it will get easier and God will use your faithfulness to speak to your children.

5. Read a Christmas book together

Below is a list of Children’s books that are perfect for sharing the true meaning of Christmas with your children. It’s a little late to order a physical copy, but if you would like to read one to your child this Christmas, I have provided links to the Kindle versions for instant download:

 

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room- Nancy Guthrie

Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story- Sally Lloyd-Jones

My Merry Christmas- Sally Lloyd-Jones

Christmas Stories: Heartwarming Classics of Angels, a Manger, and the Birth of Hope- Max Lucado

 

Your challenge

Pick one of these and do it. Be faithful with the time and and children God has given you, and share with them the most incredible gift ever given to them. They may not recognize that right then, but do not be discouraged. You are being faithful, and God will bless that.

Be encouraged. Be Faithful.

Jeremy

 

“Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love,

but a faithful man who can find?”- Proverbs 20:6

Grieving Death and the Hope of Christmas

by | Dec 22, 2017 | Christmas, Grief | 0 comments

I remember pretty vividly the Christmas of 2007.  Not because of the gifts, the food, or anything like that. But because it was the last Christmas I had with my little sister before she died the next year. Since then it’s been tough to have Christmas. Christmas was always a time to get together as a family and have a good time, but when someone is missing from the family it is very difficult for that to happen.

What about you?

Maybe you have experienced the same thing. You recently had a sibling, mother or father, or maybe even a child pass away, and you wonder how you are going to make it through Christmas without them.  

So what is the answer to this grief?  How do we handle it?

This time of year we celebrate the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  We hear this story every Christmas.  But every Christmas I wonder if we have allowed this to penetrate our hearts.

Let’s consider this from Matthew 1:

21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

God with us!  

This is the very best news we can hear.  Jesus would come as God in the flesh to dwell among his people and save them!  He would come to experience everything his people would experience.  The pain, hurt, tragedy, and even death would not be lost on him.  This means the hurt and pain you are experiencing during this season, he has experienced.  Not only has he experienced it, he has defeated all of it through his life, death, and resurrection,

In light of this, how do we handle the grief during this time of year?

Knowing this does not mean that we do not grieve for our loved ones.  But as Christians, we grieve with hope.  The hope that all things will be made new one day in Jesus Christ.  

Why is the birth of Jesus so important for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one?  

Because it shows how much God loves you.  In the midst of trials we can often feel that God is so distant and he could not possibly love us.


In his book, In the Grip of Grace, Max Lucado writes about the birth of Jesus, “Stepping from the throne, he removed his robe of light and wrapped himself in skin: pigmented, human skin. The light of the universe entered a dark, wet womb. He whom angels worship was birthed into the cold night, and then slept on cow’s hay.”

God saw his hurting people on earth and did not stay distant.  He saw the low, the dying, the weak, the poor, the broken, and those filled with grief and despair, and he said, “I am going down there to heal them.” So he put on skin and came to heal us.  He did this not because we deserved it, but because he loves us more than we know.

So during this Christmas season, I hope you will remember the magnitude of the birth of Jesus.  Yes, it is still going to be a difficult Christmas without your loved one, but you are not hopeless.  You are loved and have ultimate hope and victory in Jesus Christ.

You are loved,

Jeremy

 

Pin It on Pinterest