---
title: Alistair Begg on What Makes Christmas Come Alive
description: I imagine a day when I might spend Christmas Eve attending A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s College Chapel, Cambridge.
image: https://blog.truthforlife.org/hubfs/_Alistair_Monthly_Letters/2024/12/December1st_ABLetter_Email_Blog.jpg
---

- [TFL Finder](https://www.truthforlife.org/stationfinder/)
- [Events](https://www.truthforlife.org/events/)
- [Contact](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/contact-us/)
- [About](https://www.truthforlife.org/about) 
    - [About Truth For Life](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/)
    - [Our Mission](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/our-mission/)
    - [What We Believe](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/what-we-believe/)
    - [Follow Christ](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory)
    - [Where Do I Start?](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory#wherestart)
    - [About Alistair](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/about-alistair-begg/)
    - [Our Team](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/our-team/)
    - [FAQs](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/)
    - [Policies](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/policies/)
    - [Contact](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/contact-us/)
- Donate 
    - [Donate Online](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate)
    - [Stewardship](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/stewardship/)
    - [Ways to Give](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/ways-give/)
    - Truthpartner Info
    - [Become a Truthpartner](https://www.truthforlife.org/become-a-truthpartner/)
    - [Update Truthpartner Info](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/truthpartner/)
    - [Truthpartner Resource Request](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/truthpartner/)
- [My Library](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/library/)
- [![Cart](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-cart.svg)](https://www.truthforlife.org/store/cart/)
- [Sign In](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/login/)

[Truth For Life](https://www.truthforlife.org/) ![Truth For Life ](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/logo-tag-k.svg)

- [Today](https://www.truthforlife.org/daily)
- Programs 
    - [Latest Program](https://www.truthforlife.org/broadcasts/latest-aired/)
    - [Archived Programs](https://www.truthforlife.org/broadcasts/archive/)
    - [Program Schedule](https://www.truthforlife.org/broadcasts/upcoming-broadcasts/)
    - [Subscribe and Connect](https://www.truthforlife.org/subscribe/)
    - [TFL Station Finder](https://www.truthforlife.org/stationfinder/)
    - [Info for Broadcasters](https://www.truthforlife.org/radio-info/)
- Sermons 
    - [Latest Sermons](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/most-recent-sermons/)
    - Browse
    - [by Topic](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/topics/)
    - [by Series](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/?type=series&per_page=25)
    - [by Scripture](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/scripture/)
    - [by Date](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/?type=sermon)
    - [by Transcripts](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/?format=transcript)
- [Blog](https://blog.truthforlife.org/)
- More 
    - [For Pastors & Churches](https://info.truthforlife.org/churches?from=blog)
    - [Subscribe & Connect](https://www.truthforlife.org/subscribe)
    - [Explore Topics](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/topics/)
    - [Get the App](https://www.truthforlife.org/apps)
    - [Alistair Begg Devotional](https://www.truthforlife.org/devotionals/alistair-begg/archive/)
    - [C.H. Spurgeon Devotional](https://www.truthforlife.org/devotionals/spurgeon/archive/)
    - [Reading Plans](https://info.truthforlife.org/reading-plans)
    - [Online Bible (ESV)](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible)
    - [Where Do I Start?](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory#wherestart)
    - [Follow Christ](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory)
- [Sign In](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/login/)
- [Donate](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/)
- [Store](https://www.truthforlife.org/store/)
- [Cart](https://www.truthforlife.org/store/cart/)
- [FAQs](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/)
- [Find a Station](https://www.truthforlife.org/stationfinder/)
- [About](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/)
- [Events](https://www.truthforlife.org/events/)
- [Contact](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/contact-us/)
- [Subscribe](https://www.truthforlife.org/subscribe/)
- [Store](https://www.truthforlife.org/store/)
- Donate 
    - [Donate Online](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/)
    - [Stewardship](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/stewardship/)
    - [Ways to Give](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/ways-give/)
    - Truthpartner Info
    - [Become a Truthpartner](https://www.truthforlife.org/become-a-truthpartner/)
    - [Update Truthpartner Info](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/truthpartner/)
    - [Truthpartner Resource Request](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/truthpartner/)
- ![Search](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-search.svg)
  
  Search

[![Library](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-library.svg)](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/library/) [![Cart](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-cart.svg)](https://www.truthforlife.org/store/cart) [Sign In](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/login/) ![Show Menu](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-menu.svg) ![Hide Menu](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-close.svg)

#### Blog Latest Posts

### Recent Posts

### Blog Topics

- [Daily Images (590)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/daily-images)
- [Weekly Wallpaper (406)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/weekly-wallpaper)
- [Articles (400)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/articles)
- [Monthly Resources (379)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/monthly-resources)
- [From the Archives (335)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/from-the-archives)
- [Ministry Updates (318)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/ministry-updates)
- [Hymns and Worship (201)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/hymns-and-worship)
- [Letters From Alistair Begg (152)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/letters-from-alistair-begg)
- [Begg's Blog (62)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/beggs-blog)
- [Listener Stories (46)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/listener-stories)

### Archive

- [December 2016 (45)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/12)
- [August 2016 (43)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/08)
- [November 2016 (43)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/11)
- [October 2015 (39)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/10)
- [April 2020 (38)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/04)
- [June 2015 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/06)
- [July 2015 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/07)
- [May 2017 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/05)
- [April 2017 (35)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/04)
- [December 2015 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/12)
- [May 2016 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/05)
- [October 2016 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/10)
- [January 2017 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/01)
- [August 2015 (33)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/08)
- [June 2016 (33)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/06)
- [November 2015 (32)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/11)
- [March 2017 (32)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/03)
- [June 2017 (32)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/06)
- [September 2015 (31)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/09)
- [February 2017 (31)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/02)
- [March 2016 (30)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/03)
- [September 2016 (30)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/09)
- [April 2016 (29)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/04)
- [May 2015 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/05)
- [July 2017 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/07)
- [August 2017 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/08)
- [February 2019 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/02)
- [June 2019 (27)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/06)
- [January 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/01)
- [February 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/02)
- [July 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/07)
- [December 2018 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/12)
- [January 2019 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/01)
- [July 2021 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/07)
- [August 2018 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/08)
- [November 2020 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/11)
- [May 2021 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/05)
- [July 2020 (23)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/07)
- [June 2023 (23)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/06)
- [May 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/05)
- [June 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/06)
- [August 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/08)
- [October 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/10)
- [December 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/12)
- [May 2023 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/05)
- [June 2025 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/06)
- [January 2020 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/01)
- [September 2020 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/09)
- [August 2023 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/08)
- [March 2025 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/03)
- [April 2025 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/04)
- [February 2018 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/02)
- [March 2018 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/03)
- [May 2019 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/05)
- [March 2020 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/03)
- [February 2021 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/02)
- [April 2021 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/04)
- [November 2021 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/11)
- [March 2024 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/03)
- [December 2024 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/12)
- [January 2025 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/01)
- [July 2019 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/07)
- [December 2019 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/12)
- [March 2021 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/03)
- [June 2021 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/06)
- [May 2022 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/05)
- [September 2022 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/09)
- [July 2023 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/07)
- [October 2023 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/10)
- [August 2024 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/08)
- [May 2025 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/05)
- [April 2019 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/04)
- [November 2019 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/11)
- [February 2020 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/02)
- [February 2022 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/02)
- [March 2023 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/03)
- [May 2024 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/05)
- [September 2025 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/09)
- [December 2017 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/12)
- [May 2018 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/05)
- [November 2018 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/11)
- [October 2019 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/10)
- [August 2021 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/08)
- [October 2021 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/10)
- [March 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/03)
- [June 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/06)
- [October 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/10)
- [September 2024 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/09)
- [November 2024 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/11)
- [January 2026 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/01)
- [September 2019 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/09)
- [January 2021 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/01)
- [December 2021 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/12)
- [January 2022 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/01)
- [November 2022 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/11)
- [April 2023 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/04)
- [September 2023 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/09)
- [February 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/02)
- [July 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/07)
- [October 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/10)
- [December 2025 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/12)
- [February 2026 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/02)
- [April 2022 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/04)
- [January 2023 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/01)
- [January 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/01)
- [April 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/04)
- [June 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/06)
- [July 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/07)
- [August 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/08)
- [October 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/10)
- [November 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/11)
- [April 2026 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/04)
- [August 2026 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/08)
- [September 2017 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/09)
- [August 2019 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/08)
- [September 2021 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/09)
- [August 2022 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/08)
- [December 2022 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/12)
- [November 2023 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/11)
- [June 2026 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/06)
- [April 2018 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/04)
- [December 2023 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/12)
- [February 2025 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/02)
- [March 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/03)
- [July 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/07)
- [September 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/09)
- [October 2017 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/10)
- [June 2018 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/06)
- [July 2018 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/07)
- [February 2023 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/02)
- [May 2026 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/05)
- [November 2017 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/11)
- [January 2018 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/01)
- [July 2022 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/07)
- [March 2019 (9)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/03)
- [October 2018 (8)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/10)
- [September 2018 (7)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/09)
- [April 2015 (5)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/04)
- [October 2026 (5)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/10)
- [March 2015 (3)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/03)
- [January 2015 (2)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/01)
- [February 2015 (2)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/02)
- [November 2009 (1)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2009/11)
- [February 2013 (1)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2013/02)

see all

[Subscribe to Blog RSS Feed](http://feeds.feedburner.com/TruthForLifeBlog)

#### [Blog](https://blog.truthforlife.org) Alistair Begg on What Makes Christmas Come Alive

# Alistair Begg on What Makes Christmas Come Alive

Share

- [Twitter](http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?status=Alistair%20Begg%20on%20What%20Makes%20Christmas%20Come%20Alive+/alistair-begg-on-what-makes-christmas-come-alive)
- [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=/alistair-begg-on-what-makes-christmas-come-alive)
- [WhatsApp](https://api.whatsapp.com/send?text=Alistair%20Begg%20on%20What%20Makes%20Christmas%20Come%20Alive%20|%20/alistair-begg-on-what-makes-christmas-come-alive)
- [Email](mailto:username@example.com?subject=Alistair%20Begg%20on%20What%20Makes%20Christmas%20Come%20Alive&body=/alistair-begg-on-what-makes-christmas-come-alive)

 December 04, 2024

![King's College Chapel](https://blog.truthforlife.org/hs-fs/hubfs/_Alistair_Monthly_Letters/2024/12/December1st_ABLetter_Email_Blog.jpg?width=850&height=478&name=December1st_ABLetter_Email_Blog.jpg)

Dear Friend,

I hope this finds you in good heart and in no way overwhelmed by preparations for Christmas.

It’s often hard for me to remember what Christmas was like before I became a pastor—when I was attending the services rather than being in some measure responsible for leading them. Each year at Christmastime, I imagine a day when I might spend Christmas Eve attending A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s College Chapel, Cambridge. It would be thrilling to be present for the singing of my favorite carol, “Once in Royal David’s City,” which has been the processional hymn for the service since 1919. It was written by Cecil Frances Alexander (1818–1895). She was born in Dublin and married William Alexander, who became an archbishop in the Church of Ireland in Londonderry. Cecil wrote hymns with young people in mind, seeking to teach important Christian doctrine. “All Things Bright and Beautiful” taught the doctrine of creation. “There Is a Green Hill Far Away” taught the doctrine of the atonement. And “Once in Royal David’s City” taught the doctrine of the incarnation.

Traditionally, the opening stanza of the latter is sung unaccompanied by the boy chorister as the service at King’s College begins. Having only heard it on recording, I would love to experience it live in the chapel. Come to think of it, perhaps this is also on your bucket list. What about a Truth For Life Christmas trip to England?

Since that can’t happen this year, we will need to ensure that our personal preparations for celebrating the birth of Jesus are fueled by meditating on His person and work.

Let’s be sure to take time to consider that the child in the manger gazing up into Mary’s face is the very same person who put the stars in the sky, including the very star that led the wise men from the east to come and worship Him. Jesus was not created, for He *is* the creator of the universe.

Christmas comes truly alive when we make the time to ponder this reality and marvel afresh at the wonder that “in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:19).

This amazing message is being proclaimed in multiple ways around the world through Truth For Life. God is using our teaching to reach a larger audience than we ever could have imagined! Your prayerful and financial partnership makes this possible. Please consider [a generous year-end donation](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/) so that men, women, boys, and girls may come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior in nations around the world.

What grace is ours, that He who dwells in endless light called through the night to find our distant souls! (Look it up!)

From all of us, a very blessed Christmas to you and yours and with my love in the Lord Jesus,

Alistair

 

---

Topics: [Letters From Alistair Begg](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/letters-from-alistair-begg)

 Alistair Begg is the Bible teacher on Truth For Life, which is heard on the radio and online around the world.

##### **Copyright © 2026 , Truth For Life**. All rights reserved.

 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

### Get Weekly Updates

### Recent Posts

### Blog Topics

- [Ministry Updates](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/ministry-updates)
- [Monthly Resources](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/monthly-resources)
- [Weekly Wallpaper](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/weekly-wallpaper)
- [From the Archives](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/weekly-sermons)
- [Hymns and Worship](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/hymns-and-worship)
- [Letters From Alistair Begg](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/letters-from-alistair-begg)
- [Listener Stories](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/listener-stories)
- [Begg's Blog](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/beggs-blog)
- [Articles](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/articles)

### Archive

- [October 2026 (5)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/10)
- [September 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/09)
- [August 2026 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/08)
- [July 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/07)
- [June 2026 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/06)
- [May 2026 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/05)
- [April 2026 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/04)
- [March 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/03)
- [February 2026 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/02)
- [January 2026 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/01)
- [December 2025 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/12)
- [November 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/11)
- [October 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/10)
- [September 2025 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/09)
- [August 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/08)
- [July 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/07)
- [June 2025 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/06)
- [May 2025 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/05)
- [April 2025 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/04)
- [March 2025 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/03)
- [February 2025 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/02)
- [January 2025 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/01)
- [December 2024 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/12)
- [November 2024 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/11)
- [October 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/10)
- [September 2024 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/09)
- [August 2024 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/08)
- [July 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/07)
- [June 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/06)
- [May 2024 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/05)
- [April 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/04)
- [March 2024 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/03)
- [February 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/02)
- [January 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/01)
- [December 2023 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/12)
- [November 2023 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/11)
- [October 2023 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/10)
- [September 2023 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/09)
- [August 2023 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/08)
- [July 2023 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/07)
- [June 2023 (23)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/06)
- [May 2023 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/05)
- [April 2023 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/04)
- [March 2023 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/03)
- [February 2023 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/02)
- [January 2023 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/01)
- [December 2022 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/12)
- [November 2022 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/11)
- [October 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/10)
- [September 2022 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/09)
- [August 2022 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/08)
- [July 2022 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/07)
- [June 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/06)
- [May 2022 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/05)
- [April 2022 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/04)
- [March 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/03)
- [February 2022 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/02)
- [January 2022 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/01)
- [December 2021 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/12)
- [November 2021 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/11)
- [October 2021 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/10)
- [September 2021 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/09)
- [August 2021 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/08)
- [July 2021 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/07)
- [June 2021 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/06)
- [May 2021 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/05)
- [April 2021 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/04)
- [March 2021 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/03)
- [February 2021 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/02)
- [January 2021 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/01)
- [December 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/12)
- [November 2020 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/11)
- [October 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/10)
- [September 2020 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/09)
- [August 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/08)
- [July 2020 (23)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/07)
- [June 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/06)
- [May 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/05)
- [April 2020 (38)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/04)
- [March 2020 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/03)
- [February 2020 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/02)
- [January 2020 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/01)
- [December 2019 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/12)
- [November 2019 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/11)
- [October 2019 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/10)
- [September 2019 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/09)
- [August 2019 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/08)
- [July 2019 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/07)
- [June 2019 (27)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/06)
- [May 2019 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/05)
- [April 2019 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/04)
- [March 2019 (9)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/03)
- [February 2019 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/02)
- [January 2019 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/01)
- [December 2018 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/12)
- [November 2018 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/11)
- [October 2018 (8)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/10)
- [September 2018 (7)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/09)
- [August 2018 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/08)
- [July 2018 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/07)
- [June 2018 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/06)
- [May 2018 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/05)
- [April 2018 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/04)
- [March 2018 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/03)
- [February 2018 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/02)
- [January 2018 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/01)
- [December 2017 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/12)
- [November 2017 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/11)
- [October 2017 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/10)
- [September 2017 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/09)
- [August 2017 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/08)
- [July 2017 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/07)
- [June 2017 (32)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/06)
- [May 2017 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/05)
- [April 2017 (35)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/04)
- [March 2017 (32)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/03)
- [February 2017 (31)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/02)
- [January 2017 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/01)
- [December 2016 (45)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/12)
- [November 2016 (43)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/11)
- [October 2016 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/10)
- [September 2016 (30)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/09)
- [August 2016 (43)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/08)
- [July 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/07)
- [June 2016 (33)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/06)
- [May 2016 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/05)
- [April 2016 (29)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/04)
- [March 2016 (30)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/03)
- [February 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/02)
- [January 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/01)
- [December 2015 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/12)
- [November 2015 (32)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/11)
- [October 2015 (39)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/10)
- [September 2015 (31)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/09)
- [August 2015 (33)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/08)
- [July 2015 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/07)
- [June 2015 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/06)
- [May 2015 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/05)
- [April 2015 (5)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/04)
- [March 2015 (3)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/03)
- [February 2015 (2)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/02)
- [January 2015 (2)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/01)
- [February 2013 (1)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2013/02)
- [November 2009 (1)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2009/11)

see all

### Marks of an Effective Church

[The Apostles' Teaching](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-of-effective-church-apostles-teaching) [Fellowship](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-of-an-effective-church-fellowship) [Devotion to the Sacraments](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-effective-church-the-sacraments) [Prayer](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-effective-church-prayer) [Mutual Care](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-effective-church-mutual-care) [A Worshiping Community](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-effective-church-worshiping-community) [Continuous Evangelism](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-effective-church-continuous-evangelism)

### The Fruit of the Spirit

[The Root of Our Holiness: Introducing the Fruit of the Spirit](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-root-of-our-holiness-introducing-the-fruit-of-the-spirit) [Love](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-love-part-2-of-9) [Joy in a Broken World](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-joy-in-a-broken-world) [Peace in a World of Conflict](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-peace-in-a-world-of-conflict) [Perfect Patience for the Least Deserving](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-perfect-patience-for-the-least-deserving) [Eternal Goodness and Everyday Kindness](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-eternal-goodness-and-everyday-kindness) [God’s Faithfulness and Ours](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-gods-faithfulness-and-ours) [Gentleness Isn’t a Weakness](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-gentleness-isnt-a-weakness) [Self-Control](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-self-control)

[Back to top](https://blog.truthforlife.org/alistair-begg-on-what-makes-christmas-come-alive#top)

- [Home](https://www.truthforlife.org/)

##### Connect with us

PO Box 398000   
Cleveland , OH 44139

By Phone (888) 588-7884

- [Contact Us Form](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/contact-us/support-form/)
- [TFL Finder](https://www.truthforlife.org/station-finder/)

##### Welcome

- [Our Mission](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/our-mission/)
- [FAQs](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/)
- [Alistair Begg](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/about-alistair-begg/)
- [The Gospel](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory)
- [Where Do I Start?](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory#wherestart)

##### Our Resources

- [Blog](https://blog.truthforlife.org/)
- [Sermon Archive](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/)
- [Series Archive](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/series/)
- [Topics](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/topics/)
- [Devotionals](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/daily-devotionals/)
- [Add Devotional to Your Website](https://www.truthforlife.org/syndicate/request/)
- [Bible](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible)
- [Connect with TFL](https://www.truthforlife.org/subscribe)
- [Books by Alistair Begg](https://blog.truthforlife.org/books-by-alistair-begg)

##### Donate

- [Donate Online](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/)
- [Stewardship](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/stewardship/)
- [Become a Truthpartner](https://www.truthforlife.org/become-a-truthpartner)

##### Insights Delivered to Your Inbox

Truth For Life is the teaching ministry of Alistair Begg and is committed to teaching the Bible with clarity and relevance so that unbelievers will be converted, believers will be established, and local churches will be strengthened.

- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-twitter.svg)](http://www.twitter.com/truthforlife)
- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-facebook.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/truthforlife)
- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/user/truthforlife1/)
- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-instagram.svg)](http://instagram.com/alistair_begg_truthforlife)
- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-tiktok.svg)](https://www.tiktok.com/@truthforlife)
- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-rss.svg)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/subscribe/#mobile)

 Truth For Life is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

 © 1994 - 2026 Truth For Life. All Rights Reserved. [Policies](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/policies/) | [Site Map](https://www.truthforlife.org/sitemap/)

[Truth For Life](https://www.truthforlife.org/)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "TFL",
    "url" : "https://blog.truthforlife.org/author/tfl"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2026-07-13T19:34:00.169Z",
  "datePublished" : "2024-12-04T05:30:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Alistair Begg on What Makes Christmas Come Alive",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.truthforlife.org/hubfs/_Alistair_Monthly_Letters/2024/12/December1st_ABLetter_Email_Blog.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.truthforlife.org/alistair-begg-on-what-makes-christmas-come-alive",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.truthforlife.org/hs-fs/file-2577538209-jpg/truthforlife-201502/logo_wt2x.jpg"
    },
    "name" : "Truth For Life"
  }
}
```