Cleveland.com: On Ohio State’s Thank You Letter to Michigan QB Devin Gardner

Great letter. Great show of class in an increasingly classless society. Kudos to Gardner. Go Bucks!

16487194-mmmainHere’s the full text of the letter:

“I write, simply, to thank you for the inspiration you are and the class you showed as you consoled J.T. Barrett when he was injured this afternoon in your game against the Buckeyes.

“The Ohio State-Michigan game is important, but it pales in comparison to the humanity you displayed during that moment.

“As I think you know, J.T. Barrett has been an inspiration to the Buckeyes squad this season, coming in as he did when Braxton Miller was injured. He’s performed with maturity and poise well beyond his years. I suspect it’s been guys like you who have been his role models.

“You are an extraordinary young man and your example of sportsmanship and true humanity to thousands of young (and older) people this afternoon was, in my opinion, worth far more than any football statistics.

“Thank you again for showing us all how it should be done.”

Read it all.

Jesus Creed: Advent with Tim Spivey

I preached on this last Sunday. See what you think.

Here are four practical reasons I think churches should celebrate Advent and Christmas:

1. Advent helps keep people on-track spiritually through the holidays. It isn’t OK for us to lament people’s “greed” and/or materialism at the holidays if we aren’t willing to lift up Christ in special ways during a season of temptation for people. It’s a great time to help reestablish a Kingdom perspective about money and possessions and call people to generosity—and to do so with great intentionality. We also have a special opportunity to help people understand the importance of incarnating the Gospel as they deal with personal and family difficulties throughout the season. I could go on here—but the point is the holidays are spiritually poignant and Advent provides a unique opportunity to pastor.

2. Advent focuses us on theological themes that should be central to who we are: incarnation and the Second Coming of Christ. Most Christians understand the importance of these two themes. However, one is “in” and one is “out” in theological circles these days. In particular, the Second Coming is something that needs much more emphasis—and Advent provides a fantastic opportunity to focus on our Great Hope.

Read it all.