Things Happen — But Don’t ‘Just’ Happen
It happened that Caesar Augustus ordered a census. Because of the census, it happened that Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem, which happened to be the village of their ancestry.
Taking Our Faith Ceres-ly
On Tuesday (Dec. 17), the state of Missouri installed a false god on top of the Capitol building. Or, at least that’s what a state representative claimed. But I wonder if the case should remind us of the difference between influence and worship.
A Meaningful Gift
Your last and perhaps most meaningful gift to your family is to clearly communicate how you wish to be remembered at your funeral or memorial service. By clearly communicating your funeral plans, you ease the strain and burden on family at this stressful time.
Beatles Music, Christmas Story Come Together at Suburban Chicago Church
NAPERVILLE, Illinois (RNS) — Community Christian Church’s annual Christmas pageant includes all the classics: “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” “Away in a Manger.” And everyone's favorite sing-a-long: “I Want to Hold Your Hand.”
Finding Purpose on the Bench
J.T. Granato laughed when he felt like crying. The three-star quarterback prospect, now a college quarterback, had not played this year for Missouri State University. But his contributions to the team have come through leadership and character, not laterals and cadence.
The Original ‘Blue Christmas’: New Advent Resources Focus on Grief, Justice Before Celebration
(RNS) — “To be honest, this has been a hard year,” Sarah Bessey admitted. As November gave way to the holidays, she sent an email to subscribers of her Field Notes e-newsletter. It was titled, “Does Advent even matter when the world is on fire?”
YouVersion Announces Top Bible Verse of 2019
OKLAHOMA CITY (BP) -- YouVersion Bible app announced its most popular verse of 2019, Philippians 4:6: "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done."
Luke Putney Testifies to the Healing Power of Music, Helping Others
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) — Luke Putney’s prayers are simple these days. He prays for healing in his left hand so he can play guitar and bass again. He asks God to strengthen his body so he can be a blessing to other people.
South Carolina Baptists Give Every Inmate a Gift
COLUMBIA, S.C. (BP) -- Sharing the love of the Christmas season came through individual gifts to every inmate in South Carolina this year, provided by churches and associations in the South Carolina Baptist Convention (SCBC).
Her Missions Call Took Her Back Home to New England
BRUNSWICK, MAINE — Sometimes accepting God’s call to missions means being willing to pack up your family and head back home. At least that was the case for Katie Upton Wood.