Remembering One on the Journey
`In December, my best friend, Charles, passed away. I was devastated. From the outside looking in, someone might wonder how Charles and I ever became friends, especially since there’s a 57-year age difference.
Pretending to Light Our Candles
At the Christmas Eve service I attended recently, the Christ candle in the Advent wreath wouldn’t light. The pastor tried and tried. Eventually, as giggles worked their way down the crowded pews, he said everyone should just pretend it was lit.
Politics, Partisanship, & Pom-Pom
When my son was younger, he had a few verbal ticks where he would say one thing when he meant another. A common example of this verbal confusion pops up today as I frequently hear people say “political” when they really mean “partisan.”
How to Celebrate Christmas: Change the World
(RNS) — One of the holiest days of the Christian year is right around the corner.We need more churches and we need more Christians to take the teachings of Jesus seriously and risk it all for the sake of healing the world.
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.
Richard Ross: Time for ‘Radical Reevaluation’ of Youth Ministry
FORT WORTH, Texas (BP) -- Who wants to continue approaches that launch only 10 percent of young believers to change the world? After a half-century in youth ministry, Richard Ross calls for a desperately-needed radical reevaluation if we wish to see more enduring faith in
An Open Letter to Luke
Dear Luke, I am writing to complain about the start to your book — the one that, according to you, is a “Gospel,” not the sequel on the acts of the apostles. It’s mostly good. Some good stories, clever lines, interesting characters. However, I take
Grateful at Christmas
Regardless of that joy we have as we celebrate together this holiday season, as adults we also realize there are men and women who are willing to sacrifice their holidays with family so that we can enjoy ours.