I attempt to write a Christmas poem to our congregation to hopefully further instill within us the true reason for why we celebrate Christmas. I have entitled the poem for this year, "The Good News of a Merry Christmas."  I hope it helps to invoke within each of us the true reason as to why we celebrate Christmas.

The late W. A. Criswell, served as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Dallas, TX for 50 years.  Dr. Criswell was certainly one the great preachers of a former generation.  His presence and ability in the pulpit is considered by many homileticians to be unparalleled.

"I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving" (Ps. 69: 39).  The psalms are words and songs of praise to God for all that He is and for all of His marvelous and wondrous blessings upon His people. 

Paul's words to the church at Rome: "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth to the Jew first and then also to the gentile" (Rom. 1:16).  From this verse, I want to bring your thoughts to the subject of "belief" or "faith."

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the "Good Message" or "Glad Tidings" from God to the world (Luke 2: 8-11). The word "gospel" literally means "Good News." The gospel of Christ is explicitly presented throughout the New Testament.