Come to Bethlehem: Short Stories of Christmas

Greetings! America’s largest private home, the Biltmore Estate, located in Asheville, North Carolina is a 250-room, French Renaissance chateau that continues to evoke feelings of wonder and awe from the hearts of thousands who visit each year. Yet every Biltmore guest must patiently wait to see the stately mansion as they quietly drive along the beautiful, three-mile approach road. Each curve and bend along the way fills the heart with anticipation and longing for that first glimpse of the opulent, grand chateau. Indeed, it is preparation for it. The readiness is created by the anticipation. Even so, it is hard to imagine someone paying the steep entrance fee for the sole purpose of observing the forests, shrubs, and flowers along the access road. What precedes the tour of the home simply enhances and enriches the visit, builds excitement, and places the main object in its proper context: 8,000 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds by the famous landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted.   The beauty of the Biltmore House, of course, pales in comparison to the beauty and majesty of the Incarnate Christ. Like the access road to the Biltmore, the four weeks of anticipation and longing for the celebration of Jesus’ birth, known historically as Advent, enhances and enriches our worship on Christmas Day by preparing our hearts and minds to greet the Incarnate Lord humbly and reverently. The promised Messiah has come, and we are filled with overflowing joy during this season of “uncommon sanctity” as we patiently wait to “worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.”   Advent, then, is a time of preparation. A time for reflection, meditation, prayer, and reading Scripture. A season for corporate and private worship, for coming to the Lord’s Table, for personal self-examination and repentance. A time for considering those among us who need our love and help, and for those who need a Savior.   To that end, we have prepared a collection of eight essays to direct your minds and hearts to the One who came to redeem us from our sins. As you linger in quiet moments and favorite places, may you come to know Christ more intimately as the incarnate Son of God who loves you and gave Himself for you. We pray that the free downloadable Short Stories of Christmas will create more longing in your heart in order that you, like the shepherds of old, might hasten to Bethlehem to “see this thing which has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” Wishing you much joy and peace this Christmas, John Musselman  End-of-Year giving is crucial for us as we look forward to another year of seeking to fulfill our mission of contributing to the cultural, intellectual, and spiritual formation of individuals who are on a passionate quest to be welcomed, received, and acknowledged by God. Your year-end, tax-deductible contribution to the Jackson Institute will help us sustain and expand our vital work of teaching God's Word and equipping and resourcing leaders in various parts of the world. Donate Now If you prefer to mail your year-end gift, please note that all contributions for the year 2018 must be postmarked by December 31. You may make your checks payable to the Jackson Institute and send to: The Jackson Institute P.O. Box 500071 Atlanta, GA 31150-0071 www.tji.org We gratefully and humbly acknowledge that, without your prayers, financial support, and encouragement, we could never engage the world with the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for your support and generosity. 

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