Why is Christmas the World’s Most Celebrated Holiday? Part 2

In less than a week, the world will hold its largest holiday celebration in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ. A recent estimate shows that fully 89% of the world’s population and geography–the largest percentage ever--will “do Christmas” this year despite the howls and protests of radical atheists and “nones.”

Last week we looked at five reasons why Christmas is supreme. Let’s conclude with four further reasons (some taken from my new book) as to why Jesus gets and deserves the global place of honor.

There is no one like Jesus.

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Messages from Houston

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 3:22).

For the past few days, one of the largest hurricanes ever to enter the U.S. mainland pummeled the Gulf Coast of Texas–reeking havoc on Houston–America’s fourth largest city. Ten people have died, thousands needed courageous rescues, scores of thousands are in temporary shelters, and billions of dollars are needed to rebuild after the rains cease and water recedes.

Living in the Northwest, my family didn’t experience Harvey first-hand, but our hearts go out to those who lost loved ones, homes or businesses. We have a number of YWAM bases in Texas and we will certainly assist their efforts to help their neighbors emerge from the devastation.

What are the messages being sent via Hurricane Harvey?

Houston is an interesting city–one that sports a number of extremes.

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Simply Redeemed–With A Smile and a Hug

On Friday morning, August 18, my beloved father-in-law, Charles Edward Cookson, breathed his last and was transported into the arms of Jesus. I’m sure his homecoming was marked with a big smile and warm hug.

Both were a trademark of Chuck Cookson. The other was simplicity of heart and life — two rare qualities in today’s complex world.

He is now simply redeemed.

Chuck Cookson was born on August 6, 1926, in Port Orchard, Washington during the Roaring Twenties. His father, Leonard Cookson, built a small home at 816 Sidney Street, only six blocks up the hill from the downtown waterfront.

His mother, Clara Dixon, was three-quarters American Indian and a gracious woman who worked extremely hard. Chuck was the youngest of three and said he was born in the “shack” behind the three bedroom house.

In 91 years, Chuck never moved more than eight blocks from his roots. Read More