Once again, we're excited to feature Russell Moore's provocative sermon—"The Most Shocking Madonna Song Ever." Dr. Moore is talking about the real Madonna, the Virgin Mary, the Mother of our Lord. Moore argues that many evangelicals act like the Mary is "simply a pod through whom Jesus came or some kind of a prop that we have in our Christmas pageants." Actually, Moore says, "The Word of God presents a very different picture of Mary and of what she represents for us." Read the whole thing, and don't forget to check out all the great resources on our Christmas holidays and events page.

And just in time to inspire your Christmas preaching, this week we also offer Scott Gibson's practical skills article on preaching holidays, weddings, and funerals. Dr. Gibson, The Haddon W. Robinson Professor of Preaching at Gordon-Conwell Seminary, "Preaching on the major Christian holidays—holy days—is the privilege of every minister of the gospel. Our task is to freshen up our approach to holiday preaching so that our listeners will genuinely see the Holy."

Also, check out these new resources:

• Featured Illustration: The Persistent Inventor of Sliced Bread
• Featured Video: The Names of God: An intro for your holiday services.
• Featured Sermon: "The Most Shocking Madonna Song Ever" by Russell Moore
• Featured Skills Article: "Step 9: Plan Special Topics" by Scott Gibson

Matt Woodley
Editor, PreachingToday.com
mwoodley@christianitytoday.com

P.S. Check out our Top 10 Christmas Illustrations to be inspired as you write and develop your Christmas sermons!

Matt Woodley is the pastor of compassion ministries at Church of the Resurrection in Wheaton, Illinois.