The December 2013 issue of Direction includes:
EDITORIAL FROM JOHN GLASS
Christmas, a pagan festival?
HE’S A MAN ON A MISSION!
Chorley Pastor John Lacy has adapted to challenges to help his church flourish
NEWS from Elim and the wider church
OUT AND ABOUT WITH THE GS
John Glass opens his diary
PUTTING PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE
How Elim churches are making the most of the focus the Christmas holiday brings
LIGHT OF TRUTH AT DARK TIME
Don’t let Santa become the reason for the season, argues Mark Wreford
USE ADVENT FOR REFLECTING
RTC lecturer Geoff Richardson urges us to draw inspiration from Zechariah
ASPIRE’S CHRISTMAS GREETINGS
The leaders of Elim’s women’s ministry bring their personal messages
IT’S FOR PEOPLE WHO HATE IT!
Elim’s NLT members reflect about what Christmas means to them
KEY BIBLE ROLES PLAYED BY WOMEN
Author Kenneth Bailey’s fresh perspective on Simeon and Anna’s role in The Nativity
BE GENEROUS WITH OTHERS
Nothing is as stunning as Jesus stepping down out of heaven, writes Mark Pugh
FINDING THAT PERFECT PRESENT
Our selection of Christmas gift ideas
MUSIC REVIEWS with Ian Yates
HOW GOAL KEEPER WAS SAVED
Julian Speroni turned to Christ when he was going through a tough period
CHURCH COULD BE THE BEST GIFT
There’s no better time to invite friends to church than Christmas, says Gary Gibbs
BEATING THE WINTER BLUES
Dr Sharon Kane gives her advice on the health issues that come with the season
PEOPLE NEED THE ‘WHY’ OF CHANGE
Elim minister Richard Taylor discusses the secrets to pastoring a changing church
YOUR PURCHASING POWER VOTES
Sarah Stone asks whether it really matters where you do your Christmas shopping
ANSWERS with Phil Weaver
AND FINALLY with John Lancaster
