Jesus’ birth is a time for great celebration. Although born hidden away in an obscure stable, His appearing brought the most spectacular baby announcement on Earth, with angels breaking forth from Heaven to bring the Good News of His birth.

Read Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.” (Rev. 19:6) Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” (11:15) Reflect When George Frideric Handel wrote the “Hallelujah” section to close out Part II of Messiah, he could hardly have foreseen how iconic the song would become. Nor could he have envisioned it’d inspire the most viral flash mob YouTube video of all time (not that he’d have fathomed words like “viral,” “flash mob,” and “YouTube”). You may have seen the video. Published in November 2010, it was recorded in Ontario’s Seaway Mall food court by a local photography company. Eighty singers from the Chorus Niagara wore nondescript clothing, blending into their holiday shopping surroundings. Then one soprano, pretending to be on a phone call, daringly bursts into the first notes of the “Hallelujah” chorus. She’s soon followed by fellow chorus members, standing as they join the song. Onlookers—munching on their Arby’s Beef ’N Cheddars and A&W Cheese Curds—appear stunned as their Christmas shopping excursion is momentarily infused with a goosebump-inducing encounter with the glory God is due. About a minute into the video, as the choir sings Revelation 19:6 (“For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth”), the look on one young boy’s face is especially priceless. Wearing a Gap sweatshirt—behind him a sign for a $5 pizza special—the boy has a wide-eyed expression that sums up the transcendent power of the heavenly scene it pictures. The song stops us in our tracks and fixes our gaze on the stunning glory of Christ, the “King of kings, and Lord of lords.” Handel seemed jolted by Messiah as he composed it. He often wept as he wrote, and on finishing the “Hallelujah” section he purportedly told an assistant, “I did think I saw heaven open, and saw the very face of God.” It shows in the music. The heralding trumpets (the angel’s instrument in Rev. 11:15), the thunderous timpani, the ascending sopranos as they take the “King of kings” refrain to stratospheric heights . . . It all adds up to a sublime work of musical art nearly unrivaled in its power to move people to tears and up off their seats. The song stops us in our tracks and fixes our gaze on the stunning glory of Christ, the ‘King of kings, and Lord of lords.’ Standing during the “Hallelujah” chorus is a tradition dating back to King George II, who (legend has it) was so moved during the London premiere that he stood in rapture, prompting the entire audience to follow suit. We stand as we sing it three centuries later—not because of any earthly king’s example but because of the King of kings’s boundless glory and white-hot holiness. And to think—this glorious King of the universe was once a frail baby in a Bethlehem manger and then an object of scorn on a Roman cross. As we sing of this humble King to the rousing harmonies of Handel’s masterpiece, we can’t help but stand, close our eyes, lift our hands, and for a moment imagine ourselves as we’ll one day be: among a multitude, “like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder,” crying out a mighty chorus infinitely louder and grander than the greatest food court flash mob: “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns” (19:6). Respond Watch the video of the “Christmas food court flash mob” embedded above. Let the performance arrest you and lead you to joyful worship of Christ. As you go about your Christmas Day festivities, consider how you could carve out dedicated moments of singing worship. Individually or (even better) with others, join your voices with the “heavenly host” that was there at Christ’s birth (Luke 2:13–14) and with the “great multitude” in John’s vision (Rev. 19:6).

In this lecture, Don Carson examines Genesis 3, focusing on the Serpent’s deceit and humanity’s rebellion, which leads to shame, guilt, and broken fellowship with God. He discusses the curses placed on Satan, Adam, and Eve, highlighting the introduction of sin and the long-term effects on creation. Carson emphasizes the need for reconciliation with God, pointing to the promise of redemption through Jesus. He teaches the following: How Satan openly contradicted God’s Word in his temptation The immediate and long-term consequences of sin The foretelling of enmity between the Serpent’s offspring and the woman’s offspring points to future atonement Humanity’s ultimate problem is alienation from God due to our willful rebellion How the promise in Genesis 3 points to ultimate redemption through Jesus

This year, consider celebrating an Unplugged Christmas Day to rediscover the season's true spirit. With digital distractions all around us, it’s easy for the holiday magic to fade into the background. However, stepping away from screens opens the door to meaningful, heartfelt moments with family and friends. Instead of checking your phone or binge-watching TV, focus on traditions that nurture connection and creativity. Activities like baking, sharing acts of kindness, and storytelling can transform your holiday into one filled with joy and purpose. Rediscover the Magic of Christmas Step away from the screens this holiday season and embrace an Unplugged Christmas Day. You can create a day full of laughter, connection, and joy with simple, heartfelt traditions. Baking Together: Fill Your Home with Love and Laughter Baking is more than a kitchen activity; it’s a chance to bond and laugh as you create something delightful together. It’s the perfect way to begin your unplugged Christmas Day. How to Plan a Festive Baking Adventure Choose Beloved Recipes: Traditional treats like gingerbread men, sugar cookies, or pies are classics. However, trying a new recipe can add a fun challenge. Get Everyone Involved: Assign tasks like mixing, cutting, or decorating. For example, younger kids can sprinkle toppings while teens handle the oven. Add Holiday Cheer: Play festive music to liven up the kitchen or share funny baking mishaps from past holidays. Once your creations are ready, sit down together and enjoy the treats and cherish the shared experience. For inspiration, visit King Arthur Baking for holiday recipes and tips. Acts of Kindness: Share the Holiday Spirit The holiday season is the perfect time to give back. Simple acts of kindness can make someone’s day brighter and teach your family the value of compassion. How to Share Kindness This Christmas Deliver Treats: Share baked goods with neighbors or deliver a warm meal to a local shelter. Write Personalized Notes: Handwrite thoughtful letters to loved ones, expressing gratitude or recalling cherished memories. Assemble Care Kits: Include items like socks, snacks, and toiletries. These small packages can provide comfort to those in need. Focusing on giving teaches children empathy and strengthens your community. Visit VolunteerMatch to explore volunteer opportunities. Writing Intentions: Set the Stage for a Positive New Year Christmas Day offers a calm space to reflect on the past year and dream about the next. Writing New Year intentions fosters mindfulness and brings families closer. Steps for Crafting Meaningful Intentions Reflect Together: Share moments from the past year that brought happiness or growth. For example, discuss what made you feel grateful or proud. Set Simple Goals: Encourage everyone to write one or two specific and achievable intentions. Examples include learning a new hobby or prioritizing quality time. Create a Vision Board: Visualize your goals with magazine clippings and craft supplies. Display the board in a shared space for inspiration throughout the year. This activity promotes self-awareness and creates lasting family memories. For guidance, visit Mindful.org for tips on setting thoughtful goals. Outdoor Adventures: Refresh Your Spirit in Nature Spending time outdoors during Christmas is invigorating and refreshing. Nature can lift spirits and bring people together, whether it’s a snowy wonderland or a sunny backyard. Outdoor Fun Ideas for All Climates Explore the Neighborhood: Go for a holiday walk to admire decorations. For extra fun, add a scavenger hunt for items like wreaths or candy canes. Play in the Snow: Build a snowman, go sledding, or craft snow angels. These classic activities create laughter and joy. Enjoy a Backyard Picnic: Set up a cozy picnic with blankets and holiday snacks if the weather is mild. Time outside fosters movement, joy, and deep connection with loved ones. It’s also a perfect way to step away from indoor distractions. Storytime: Close the Day with Timeless Tales Storytelling is one of the simplest yet most magical traditions. It creates a cozy atmosphere and leaves everyone feeling connected and inspired. How to Make Storytime Special Pick Timeless Tales: Read classics like The Polar Express or A Christmas Carol. These stories evoke nostalgia and holiday spirit. Share Personal Stories: Encourage family members to recount their favorite Christmas memory or invent a festive tale. Set the Mood: Gather by the fireplace with warm blankets, hot cocoa, and dim lighting for a cozy ambiance. Storytime fosters togetherness and allows everyone to unwind after a day of activity. Why an Unplugged Christmas Day Brings True Joy Celebrating an Unplugged Christmas Day helps you focus on what matters most. By embracing traditions like baking, acts of kindness, storytelling, and outdoor fun, you can create a day filled with love and connection. Stepping away from screens makes being present, listening, and sharing meaningful moments easier. These small choices improve the quality of your interactions and leave you with memories that last far beyond the holiday season. This year, unplug and experience the magic of a screen-free Christmas. You may find it becomes a cherished family tradition for years to come. What’s Your Favorite Tradition? Share Below! How will you celebrate an unplugged Christmas this year? Share your unique ideas, tips, or cherished traditions in the comments below! FAQs What is an Unplugged Christmas Day? An Unplugged Christmas Day is a celebration free of digital distractions. It focuses on bonding through meaningful traditions like baking, storytelling, and outdoor activities. How can I get my family on board? Explain the benefits of unplugging, like deeper connections and more fun. Plan activities such as baking or a scavenger hunt to keep everyone engaged. What if we need phones for emergencies? Keep phones accessible but in a central location. Use them only if necessary to stay focused on the unplugged experience. What activities can replace screen time? Try baking, going for a nature walk, sharing stories, or crafting. These activities foster creativity and connection. Is this idea suitable for families with young kids? Absolutely! Activities like cookie decorating, scavenger hunts, and storytelling are perfect for keeping children engaged.

A Merry and Blessed Christmas to All Our Readers!

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