recent posts
By Mike Kelsey, @MBCSilverSpring Campus Pastor
We’re getting ready to turn the corner on a new year! But we have to get through Christmas first! The trees are up, the lights are lit, and the holiday music is in full effect (Buble’ and Jackson 5 reign supreme in the Kelsey household). But those things aren’t the substance of the season for us. As Christians, we work hard to remember the amazing truth of Christmas: The God above us became God with us! God came near to humanity in an unprecedented and breathtaking way in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus brought forgiveness from our sin and a PERSONAL relationship with God….
By Joe Henriques, MBC Tysons Campus Pastor
Has the thought ever crossed your mind that the angels’ song, “Peace on earth and good will towards men,” is a wonderful and wistful sentiment, perfect for a Christmas carol, maybe a goal to work towards, but really not very useful or even true for everyday life? If so, hold on. There’s more to the story.
Angels are smart. There must have been a good reason for them to belt out that promise from heaven to earth with such robust gusto. Look at it this way: For millennia they had witnessed firsthand God promising through the prophets that one day the Messiah would come to bring God’s rule to Israel and to the world….
By Monica Gill, MBC Loudoun Attendee
The music is one of my favorite parts of the Christmas season. Gracie, my daughter, has decided her favorites are Three Ships and Go Tell it on the Mountain. For me it’s Joy to the World! I think we’ve had those three songs on a continuous loop in the car for the last three weeks… and I love it! Do you ever really listen to the words of Christmas carols? One of the things I love to do at Christmas is try to chew on the verses of the classic carols and unpack their meaning. That’s probably why Joy to the World is my favorite!
“Joy to the World! The Lord is come….
By Enoch Haven, MBC Arlington Director of Men’s Ministries
Christmas cheer is here; at least that’s what the billboards say. For weeks now we have been bombarded with advertisements featuring smiling families gathering around filling meals, jewelry boxes being opened, and new cars adorned with big red bows. The Christmas season is, after all, primarily about candy canes, cuddling, and getting gifts, right? But what are we supposed to do when we just don’t feel all the peace and love?
For many of us, the holidays bring something other than happiness. Sometimes it’s hard to have joy when…
…all you can think about during Christmas dinner is the one who is no longer there.
…your positive emotional health is largely due to the…
By Jenny Barker, MBC Prince William Attendee
The Christmas season has begun and though I would like to say I’m ready for it, fabulously organized and on top of things, finished with my shopping, and completely decorated with my home looking exactly like my Christmas board on Pinterest, I cannot. Sadly, that would be far, far from the truth. The truth instead looks more like this…