The Birth of Jesus Christ (Part One): Annunciation
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughWe rarely think about the birth of Jesus except during the Christmas season, when it is abused by traditional notions found nowhere in Scripture.
The Birth of Jesus Christ (Part Two): Nativity
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen Jesus was born, one of the greatest events in history occurred. The angel's announcement to the shepherds may have been the first preaching of the gospel.
Dating Christ's Birth
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWhile a minority of Christians insist that December 25 is the actual date of the Nativity, most people realize that proof for this early winter date is quite scanty.
A Sanitary Christmas
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughBy its materialism and syncretism, this world's Christianity has helped the modern, secular world sanitize Christmas, disinfecting it of its biblical 'taint.'
Excusing Paganism in Christmas
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughMany 'Christian' leaders embrace a celebration that has undeniably pagan roots, stemming from the winter solstice festivals, observing the rebirth of the sun.
Announcing . . . Christ's Birth!
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe blending of paganism with inspired Scripture has degraded and obscured the meaning and glory of what happened in the announcement of Jesus Christ's birth.
Was Jesus Christ Born Under the Law?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennGalatians 4:4 says that Jesus was "born under [the] law." Some use this to say that while Christ had to keep all the rituals, we do not have to follow His example.
When Was Jesus Born?
Article by John O. ReidThe Catholic Church chose December 25 as the date of Jesus' birth, centuries after the fact. However, internal biblical evidence gives a very different story.
The Crazy in Christmas
CGG Weekly by Ronny H. GrahamJesus tells us that we must worship God in spirit and truth. Where is the truth in Christmas? What is the Christmas spirit, and where does it come from?
The Plain Truth About Christmas
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletDid Christmas come from the Bible or paganism? Here are the origins of the Christmas tree, Santa Claus, mistletoe, the holly wreath, and exchanging gifts.
Christ Coming in the Flesh
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughJohn and other biblical authors emphasize that Jesus Christ came in the flesh as a human being. Jesus had to be fully human to die for human sins.
Christmas, Syncretism, and Presumption
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMany think keeping Christmas is fine, yet God never tells us to celebrate His Son's birth. Celebrating such an obvious mix of biblical truth and paganism is presumptuous.
Four Views of Christ (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe dominant emphasis of Matthew is the kingly qualities of Jesus as a descendant of the royal house of David, representing the Lion of Judah.
Four Views of Christ (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLuke's gospel portrays Christ as the son of man, the high priest of man, and the savior of man, having all the feelings, compassions, and aspirations of man.
'Tis the Season: Help for Our Young People
Article by StaffAs another Christmas season approaches, many in God's church, including our children, dread having to endure it. We can help them understand God's way.
Celebrating a Lie
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe true story of Jesus' birth has been syncretized into a non-Christian festival, and even that has been obscured by a wrong date and a phony crèche scene.
What Is This "Advent"?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh'Advent' can refer both to Christ's first coming as a human being or to His second coming in overwhelming power and glory to establish the Kingdom of God on earth.
Syncretismas!
Article by Martin G. CollinsChristmas is a very blatant form of syncretism, the blending of diverse religious practices. The origins of Christmas testify of why we should reject it.
'Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive . . .'
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughTo some, the virgin birth is a major teaching, but it is only one of several signs that prove Jesus is the Messiah. Its major purpose is not to glorify Mary.
Seeking A New Home
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaWe are seeking a permanent dwelling in God's Kingdom. In our on-going sanctification process, we are not yet home, but trudging along the way in our pilgrimage.
"Unto Us a Son Is Given"
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughIt is high time for our conception of Christ to rise above the mere physical, which Christmas tends to emphasize, to the glories of His present and future work.
A Son Is Given
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe names of God reveal His character and attributes, and so also with Jesus. The reasons for Jesus Christ's incarnation are revealed in His names.
The Offering of the Wise Men
Sermonette by John O. ReidIn our offering, we need to imitate the wise men, who knew they had been blessed by being some of the first people who had the opportunity to see Christ.
Who Were the Wise Men?
Article by StaffThe wise men or magi have been mysterious figures since their appearance 2,000 years ago. The Bible's consistent revelation provides clues to their identity.
Born of a Woman
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThough the church of God has emphasized His death over His birth, the prophecies of Christ's first advent are vitally important in establishing our faith.
John (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe apostle John has provided at least eight separate forms of witness, establishing the veracity of Jesus Christ's identity as God in the flesh.