During the Advent season new people come to church, many who are not yet followers of Christ, so what a perfect time to preach a message that is essentially evangelistic. Philip Griffin models that exceedingly well in the Christmas sermon A God Who Redeems. You won't want to miss Philip's inspiring true story about a man who planned to commit suicide using a hose, but then instead came to faith in Christ and used that hose to fill up the baptismal tank. Now there is a story of redemption!

This week we also feature:

• Featured Illustration: Japanese Sword Maker Discusses Craftsmanship and Discipleship
• Advent Sermon Series: The Big Picture of Christmas
• Video Illustration: A Very Special Christmas

Preaching Christ,

Brian Larson
Editor, PreachingToday.com
blarson@christianitytoday.com

P.S. You can check out all of our new Christmas illustrations and sermons at PreachingToday.com's Christmas page.

P.P.S. Merry Christmas (and a small thank-you gift) to you from your friends at Christianity Today! http://bit.ly/sR4tna

Craig Brian Larson is the pastor of Lake Shore Church in Chicago and author and editor of numerous books, including The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching (Zondervan). He blogs on Knowing God and His Ways at craigbrianlarson.com.