Why is Christmas our Most Celebrated Holiday – Part 2

For the next two weeks we will be re-publishing some US Renewal Classics that are the most widely-read blogs I’ve ever written.  They all center on Jesus Christ whose life has changed the world like no other.

Billions of people around the world celebrate Christmas in 160 nations. That’s eighty percent of the countries of the world.

Here in America, 71% of American adults say their religious faith is at least somewhat important in their daily life, including 47% who say it’s Very Important. A new Rasmussen poll finds that 74% of American adults say Christmas should be celebrated in public schools.

Last week we looked at five reasons why Christmas is supreme. Let’s conclude with four further reasons 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