Tag Archives: Christmas

Engaging Our Culture: December 3-Feeling Like a Misfit this Christmas

Posted on December 3, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1964 movie “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”

Bible Verse of the Day:

A man with leprosy[h] came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” 41 Jesus was indignant.[i] He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. 43 Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 44 “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” 45 Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere, Mark 1:40-45.

Biblical Connection:

When I first watched Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer as a child, I was a misfit. Rudolph’s red nose prevented him from playing in any of the Reindeer Games each winter. Meanwhile, I was stuttering boy whose family couldn’t afford name brand clothing. I was forced to wear bobos on my feet, receive handed down toys from my 2 sisters and homemade sweaters from my grandmothers.

Being able to know the future, Jesus knew the leper He was about to heal wasn’t going to follow His strict instructions. Subsequently, Jesus was limited to where He was able to visit. During Jesus’ 3-year earthly ministry, He regularly went to remote areas where first century misfits called home. If you want to emulate Jesus’ practices, begin with people who need the most help this Christmas.

Closing Song:

My spiritual mentor in high school introduced me to David Meece. Ken would incorporate music in almost every Bible lesson he taught. May today’s song inspire you to reach out and touch the souls of the misfits in your spheres of influence this Christmas season.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: December 2-Taking a Break from a Traditional Christmas

Posted on December 2, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2004 movie “Christmas with the Kranks”

Bible Verse of the Day:

 So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?” 6 He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’[b] 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions,” Mark 7:5-8.

Biblical Connection:

Luther and Nora Krank decide to take a break from Christmas one year. After looking at their typical December budget set aside for gifts, parties and holiday preparations, the Kranks realize it would be cheaper to go away on a trip. Subsequently, as friends and neighbors start planning for Christmas, the Kranks are getting ready to go on a Caribbean cruise.

Jewish religious leaders took the teachings of Moses recorded in the Torah, the first 5 books of the Bible, and added legalistic practices to God’s commands. These extra procedures made living a Jewish life much more rigid than God designed. This is what Jesus means when He accuses the Pharisees of following human rules. The America tradition of Christmas overwhelmed the Kranks in 2004. This stress conceived the idea of wanting to take a break from Christmas.

Closing Song:

The celebration of Christmas can be fanatical. As human beings compete to see who has the most Christmas spirit, this distracts from the true reason of this season, Jesus’ birth. The same can be said about Christmas songs. The lyrics to Ave Maria elevate Mary the mother of God over the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15. Before the chaos of Christmas in America commences, be sensible in how you prepare to celebrate the Mass of Christ. May the Holy Spirit help you simplify this holiday to avoid going in debt by buying extravagant gifts that aren’t necessary.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: March 11-For Better or For Worse

Posted on March 11, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Trailor from 2019 ESPN 30 for 30″For Better or For Worse”

Bible Verse of the Day:

 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son,” Hebrews 12:4-6.

Biblical Connection:

I had close friends who lived in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan when Dennis Rodman played for the Pistons. As a rookie on the team that became labeled the Bad Boys of the National Basketball Association, Dennis took on the persona of teammate Bill Laimbeer. In his early years, Dennis was a scrappy player who cared more about getting loose balls and rebounds than scoring. This defensive minded mentally allowed Dennis to become the perfect spark off the bench to ignite this team. Dennis’ high energy led the Pistons to back-to-back NBA titles.

Years later, I was running Michael Jordan’s Golf Shop in O’Hare International Airport when Rodman joined the Chicago Bulls. While attending Willow Creek Community Church, Lee Strobel began a sermon series on What Would God Say to Famous People? Dennis Rodman was one of these individuals. Strobel revealed that Dennis was never disciplined by anyone in his life until he stole something from a host family in college. Dennis cried like a baby as no one ever loved him enough to explain to him right from wrong. This is the backstory to ESPN’s For Better or For Worse.

Closing Song:

When individuals follow their human nature throughout life, they end up living a colorful life like Dennis Rodman. However, if you want to avoid the pain of making poor decisions day after day, reach out to help a friend to keep them from the error of their ways like Dennis, James 5:19-20.

by Jay Mankus

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A Year 4 Transformation: Day 356-Loving Others with Your Actions

Posted on December 19, 2024 by expressyourself4him

Passage of the Day:

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth, 1 John 3:16-18.

Reflection:

As a former stutterer, I’ve never been eloquent in my speech. Perhaps, this major flaw forced me to become a doer. Once I have a vision and understanding of what needs to be done, I get busy until this task is complete. Based upon the words of today’s featured passage, John witnessed first century Christians do a lot more talking than actually living out the love of Jesus. The apostle Paul builds upon this concept in Ephesians 5:1-2. Emulating the love of Jesus translates to loving others with your actions.

Prayerful Actions:

But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, Ephesians 5:13-15.

Learning to Love this December as God Forgives You:

Christmas shopping and present wrapping has a way of distracting you from the real meaning of Christmas. Yet, as the birth of God incarnate became human flesh, this sets the stage for the greatest sacrifice of all on Good Friday. This selfless act is the epitome of love and should inspire modern-day followers of Jesus to love others daily with their actions.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

The stress of Christmas can take a toll on your soul. However, when you reflect upon the reckless love displayed by Jesus, may you be inspired to make a difference in your community this December.

by Jay Mankus

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The Life and Death in Christmas

Posted on December 25, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Every year in America, families travel to be with members of their family. This may require a car ride across town or to another state. To anyone spread out from family, a plane trip is necessary to be with ones whom you love. As for Mary, the teenage mother of Jesus, she is the only one who witnessed the birth of Jesus and His death on a cross.

And the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace ([y]free, spontaneous, absolute favor and loving-kindness) with God. 31 And listen! You will become pregnant and will give birth to a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great (eminent) and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His forefather David, Luke 1:30-32.

Based upon the prophecies throughout the Bible like Genesis 3:15, the birth of Jesus is only the beginning of this Christmas story. When Jesus began his earthly ministry at age 30, He started dropping hints to what would come in the near future. While Christmas has become a feel good story to end each calendar year, Jesus’ death and resurrection places a bow on God’s plan for redemption, John 3:16-17.

Do not let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). You believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely on God; believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely also on Me. 2 In My Father’s house there are many dwelling places (homes). If it were not so, I would have told you; for I am going away to prepare a place for you. 3 And when (if) I go and make ready a place for you, I will come back again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And [to the place] where I am going, you know the way, John 14:1-14.

The apostle Paul points to the death in Christmas in Romans 5:7-8. Meanwhile, Jesus unveils God’s will for His life in John 15:12-13. Based upon Old Testament practices, the shedding of blood was necessary as Paul highlights in Ephesians 1:7. As individuals unwrap gifts placed under a tree, the ultimate gift is found in Romans 6:23. This is the life and death in Christmas that the lost need to hear this Christmas, Luke 19:10.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 47: An Upbeat Air Supply with an Occasional Vibe of the Outfield

Posted on December 24, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a high school freshman who didn’t know to dance, I waited for ballads to play so that I could ask a girl to slow dance. Early on, I received more rejections than a yes, but bands like Air Supply provided me the comfort in their ballads to overcome disappointment. While I was teaching high school Bible at Red Lion, one of my former students introduced me to Sixteen Cities.

So when they were assembled, they asked Him, Lord, is this the time when You will reestablish the kingdom and restore it to Israel? 7 He said to them, It is not for you to become acquainted with and know [b]what time brings [the things and events of time and their definite periods] or fixed [c]years and seasons (their critical niche in time), which the Father has appointed (fixed and reserved) by His own choice and authority and personal power. 8 But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth, Acts 1:6-8.

While no modern band compares to Air Supply, songs like Only After You and Captured By Your Love brings me back to my high school days. Sixteen Cities is a poppier version of Air Supply with a few songs that make you feel like you’re listening to the Outfield. If you find yourself feeling down this Christmas season, listen to the attached You Tube and I promise you’ll feel much better about life.

by Jay Mankus

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Silent Nights

Posted on December 24, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When the Lord delivered His final message through Malachi 397 years Before Christ, 400 years of silence followed. From a statistical perspective, this meant that God didn’t speak to anyone on earth for 146,200 consecutive days. As Christmas Eve activities begin for followers of Christ, this wasn’t just one silent night. Rather, this was 4 centuries of silent nights.

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men [astrologers] from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, 2 Where is He Who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east [a]at its rising and have come to worship Him, Matthew 2:1-2.

Despite God’s silence, this didn’t stop a group of astrologers from researching what Jewish historians were discussing. Something in the evening sky didn’t make sense. Where did this new star come from in the eastern sky. Subsequently, these curious Magi, also known as wise men, begin a journey across the desert to see what another silent night might bring them.

When Herod the king heard this, he was disturbed and troubled, and the whole of Jerusalem with him. 4 So he called together all the chief priests and learned men (scribes) of the people and [b]anxiously asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They replied to him, In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 And you Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, you are not in any way least or insignificant among the [c]chief cities of Judah; for from you shall come a Ruler ([d]Leader) Who will govern and [e]shepherd My people Israel, Matthew 2:4-6.

One of the reasons scholars believe that Jesus was born in 3 BC is that the chaos brought on by King Herod. Fearful of this future Jewish king, Herod’s edict led to the slaughter of innocent Jewish boys two years and younger. For those parents seeking to hide their infants, these were not silent nights. These events all set the stage for the birth of the Christ child, Matthew 2:9-10, ending once and for all countless silent nights.

by Jay Mankus

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Be the Light… Not the Darkness

Posted on December 7, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a college student, I struggled to distinguish when my professor was saying something that I needed to know for an upcoming test from general knowledge on a topic. Subsequently, my notetaking skills had to evolve and improve if I wanted to raise my grades. When I apply this concept to the Bible, darkness is mentioned 175 times with 439 verses discussing light. Common sense tells me to be the light and not the darkness.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your [z]moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and [aa]recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven, Matthew 5:14-16.

Jesus choses light as one of the tone setters for His Sermon on the Mount. While darkness can be scary, light has the ability to penetrate darkness. The brighter the light, the more darkness and the unknown can be illuminated for all to see. Anyone who decides to demonstrate the beatitudes serves as a powerful light for the world to be drawn to. Yet, light is a choice and darkness has the power to persuade an entire room into becoming negative.

Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [[l]against God] and [m]questioning and doubting [among yourselves], 15 That you may show yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world, 16 Holding out [to it] and offering [to all men] the Word of Life, so that in the day of Christ I may have something of which exultantly to rejoice and glory in that I did not run my race in vain or spend my labor to no purpose, Philippians 2:14-16.

This is a point the apostle Paul is trying to prove in a letter to the Church at Philippi. Don’t let the temptation of darkness steer you in the wrong direction, Matthew 7:13-14. Rather, rise above this urge to shine like stars among the darkness of night. The more perverse and wicked a generation, the greater the light of Christ can shine. As you approach another Christmas, may the songs of this season inspire you to be the light and not the darkness among hectic shoppers.

by Jay Mankus

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A Recipe for Fearless Faith

Posted on November 8, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As the calendar turns another page toward the end of 2024, Thanksgiving and Christmas have come to the forefront. While Black Friday shopping and Cyber Monday serve as a materialism distraction, family gatherings make each holiday special. While the breakdown of American families is on display for all to see, this is the season for family recipes to be exchanged, with hopes of preparing a special dish for your family members.

You whom I [the Lord] have taken from the ends of the earth and have called from the corners of it, and said to you, You are My servant—I have chosen you and not cast you off [even though you are exiled]. 10 Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice, Isaiah 41:9-10.

During a recent message on competitiveness, Pastor Wes spoke about people who create their own homemade chili recipe. This isn’t thrown together quickly but takes time to perfect by adding ingredients that give you the flavor that you’re looking for. This context inspired Wes to develop a recipe for fearless faith. If God tells readers of the Bible 365 times not to fear, these passages provide the DNA to form a fearless faith.

There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love [g]turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear [h]brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection]. 19 We love Him, because He first loved us. 20 If anyone says, I love God, and hates (detests, abominates) his brother [[i]in Christ], he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, Whom he has not seen. 21 And this command (charge, order, injunction) we have from Him: that he who loves God shall love his brother [[j]believer] also, 1 John 4:18-21.

A Recipe for Developing a Fearless Faith:

  1. Fear God above all else, Matthew 22:36-38.
  2. Follow the Golden Rule by Loving Others as Yourself, Matthew 22:39-40.
  3. Connect Daily with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25.
  4. Gather with Fellow Believers Daily, Hebrews 10:25.
  5. Go tell Everyone What God has Done for You, Mark 5:19-20.
  6. Give Your Time, Talents, and Treasures by Serving Church Generously, 2 Corinthians 9:7.
  7. Hate Sin and Repent When Necessary, James 5:16.
  8. Fearlessly Honor God by Living with Purpose by Following God’s Will, Romans 12:1-2.

by Jay Mankus

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The Crossover Connection Week 36: Where Pop Meets Soft Rock

Posted on October 7, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Today’s featured band typically ranks as one of the top ten Christian bands of all time. Thanks to songs Dare You to Move, Meant to Live, and On Fire, Switchfoot has made a big impact on the Christian community. Yet, thanks to films like the Ultimate Gift featuring a montage scene with On Fire playing in the background, Switchfoot has crossed over to influence secular audiences as well.

Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way that leads away to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it. 14 But the gate is narrow (contracted [k]by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it, Matthew 7:13-14.

The attached You Tube above mixes powerful words of On Fire with an emotional scene in the Ultimate Gift. One of the last Christmas gifts I received as a teacher at Red Lion was the Ultimate Gift DVD. In this scene, the character Jason Stevens played by Drew Fuller is forced to make an important decision in his life. May the attached songs inspire you like they have motivated me.

by Jay Mankus

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