Links - Christmas edition

When Joy to the World isn't our world - "You don’t have to live many Christmases before you realize that the emotions of Christmas are not all joy. In fact, some years we may wonder if joy will ever come again." -from Noel Piper

On Lonely Christmases - another post on sadness at Christmas, this time from Wendy Alsup:

"The holiday season makes it very clear exactly what we are longing for and exactly what we are mourning. It is especially hard to distract ourselves from our losses during this season. If you find yourself in this place, with the spotlight shining on your losses so that you can not escape the pain whether sitting under the tree, singing a carol, buying a gift, or opening a present, here are some thoughts from someone who has been there before."

Sent into the World: Jesus' Mission and Ours - a helpful blog post on how Jesus' mission is his mission, not ours - "the most important part of the Christian mission isn’t the Christian, but the Christ."

Wasting Good Intentions - from Phillip Jensen:

"Each year we hear again the great news of Jesus’ birth for our salvation and enjoy singing his praise, being with his people, hearing his message and laying our burdens before him in prayer – and then the summer holidays hit. And with the summer holidays comes a disturbance in routine and a forgetfulness of all our resolutions."

Christmas questions for Christian parents - an interview with Steve and Penny Morrison about how to approach Christmas with their kids.  We haven't reached all the same conclusions, but it is helpful to read how other parents come to their positions and to see people thinking deliberately about how to teach their children about Christmas.