Church of the Holy Nativity

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

Should Your Church Live Stream?

Chances are, your church has either started live streaming recently or has considered it at some point. With equipment improvements, lower entry costs, and availability through the web and social media, live streaming is becoming more common in the church. If you are considering adding a streamed service or posting videos for replay viewing to …

Five Questions for Christians Who Believe the Bible Supports Gay Marriage

You've studied the issue, read some books, looked at the relevant Bible passages and concluded that Scripture does not prohibit same-sex intercourse so long as it takes place in the context of a loving, monogamous, lifelong covenanted relationship.

How Long Should You Stay at Your Church?

With sweat pouring down my cheek, my father said to me: “Put your head down; focus on the path before you. Don’t look to the right or the left. Take your time. Don’t finish quick but finish well.” This is how my dad taught me to mow the lawn. His advice is also relevant to …

The Joy of Generosity: 10 Reasons Christians Should Love to Give

Imagine what Christian outreach might look like if the church wasn’t constrained by a lack of financial resources.

10 Traits of a Great Church Member

What kind of members does God use to build a great churchAs a pastor, I have noticed some trends among church people who help move the church forward. The following is a list of characteristics of those type of people. Not everyone will have every quality, but it’s the combination of each of them in people that builds a great church.Great church members:Believe and love God’s Word.Joshua 1:8 “Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day…

QUIZ: Which Nativity Character Are You?

Find your place in the Greatest Story Ever Told...

A Nativity Meditation for Writers |

Writing is hard. Maybe you knew that already. And writing for publication is hard. That’s probably not news to you either. For the Christian writer, in particular, the writing-for-publication and building-a-platform and waiting-and-hoping-for-your-first (or next)-book-contract journey often seems even harder. There are so many twists and turns to navigate. So …

The nativity scene so tiny it is only visible by microscope

The sculpture was created by a 30 strong team comprising staff from Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and the Vilnius University Laser Research Center in December 2017.

Not meaning to crib but . . . timing of most nativity scenes is off

Christmas cribs overcrowded, with several characters arriving too early, says bishop

Holy Water and Its Many Uses

Holy Water has been used throughout the ages for purifying, sanctifying and connecting oneself to the divine. Learn how to use holy water in this blog post.

When Does a Believer Receive the Holy Spirit?

What's your holy name?

Daily Lift podcasts are short takes on inspiring ideas to enrich your day and share with friends.

The Benefit of Seeking Him

seeking Him. The benefit of seeking Him are varied. We benefit with Him. There is never a time when we are with Him that we do not benefit from being in God

4 Ways We Go Wrong in Thinking about the Holy Spirit

Who exactly is the mysterious third person of the Trinity? Why does he seem to possess less reality than the Father and the Son? Perhaps we think of the Holy Spirit as a divine force or energy that we can “plug into” for spiritual power. Or as the kinder and gentler—more intimate—side of God. But a person—in fact, a distinct person of the Godhead?