In this issue of A Public Witness, we attend First Baptist’s “special” Christmas service to detail the clash of liturgies. We give special attention to the inherent political implications of Jesus’s birth. As a benediction, we reflect on the damage moments like this do to the
In day 24 of our Unsettling Advent devotional series, Contributing Writer Terrell Carter reflects on the saying “familiarity breeds contempt” and the warning that brings us for Advent.
In day 23 of our Unsettling Advent devotional series, Sophie Day reflects on the message of Advent in light of her work to tell the stories of individuals who have been sentenced to death and are in their last stages of appeals.
Polls shows how dramatically church attendance fell during the worst of the pandemic last year, even as many say they are now returning to regular service attendance. Churches large and small have taken hits in attendance.
In day 22 of our Unsettling Advent devotional series, Contributing Writer Greg Mamula reflects on how we can join the psalmists, prophets, Elizabeth, and Mary in knowing what Advent knows.
In day 21 of our Unsettling Advent devotional series, Joy Martinez-Marshall reflects on the flight of the holy family in the Bible and the plight of refugees and immigrants today.
For Mark Lowry, almost every day is Christmas. Whenever the storyteller and singer takes the stage for a concert, he always closes the show with the same song — “Mary Did You Know?” — no matter what time of year it is.
Editor-in-Chief Brian Kaylor offers some seasonal advice to the music director at First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, ahead of Sunday’s worship service that will include former President Donald Trump.
In day 20 of our Unsettling Advent devotional series, Senior Editor Beau Underwood reflects on watching the insurrection on Jan. 6 and what it might tell us about Jesus’s apocalyptic vision in Matthew’s Gospel.
After riding out the violent tornado that devastated their town in a tunnel under their church, Rev. Wes Fowler knew what to do next: glorify God amid the suffering, and serve those in need.