Things Unseen with Sinclair B. Ferguson Recovering Christ at Christmastime
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Dec 15, 2025 The busy Christmas season often eclipses its true meaning, leading to stress and exhaustion. Sinclair Ferguson discusses the challenge ministers face when preaching the familiar nativity story. He emphasizes that grace, not law, should transform our hearts at Christmas. By exploring Thomas Chalmers' concept of new affections, he invites listeners to reflect on their love for Christ year-round. He poignantly mentions a police officer's remark about Jesus being 'stolen,' urging a genuine focus on Him, not just during the holidays.
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Familiarity Can Increase Pressure
- Familiarity with the Christmas story often increases pressure rather than spiritual fruit in preachers and congregations.
- Sinclair B. Ferguson observes that the weight of the occasion can crush rather than carry us toward Christ.
Seek New Affection, Not Rules
- Do not rely on warnings or law to recover Christ at Christmas; pursue grace instead.
- Seek the 'expulsive power of a new affection' rather than self-condemnation, as Sinclair recommends citing Thomas Chalmers.
Guarding The Manger In The City Square
- Sinclair describes parking away from the church and walking through the decorated square before the late Christmas Eve service.
- He recalls two police officers guarding a life-size nativity who said, "last year, someone stole Jesus."