July 6, 2008
Learning to Share Hope
Tom Moen shares how Mountain Christian Church partnered with Christian Missionary Fellowship to serve families in Kenya and help a congregation respond to global need with head, heart, and hands.
Articles for tag: Christmas
May 25, 2008
Reclaiming Joy in Daily Life
Victor M. Parachin reflects on reclaiming joy after sorrow through Scripture, enthusiasm, and simple acts of blessing that bring healing to others and ourselves.
May 11, 2008
CHURCHES WITHOUT STEEPLES: Church! Blur the Lines
Brad Canning shares how Church! Of Park Slope used Postmark Café and practical service to blur the lines between church and community in Brooklyn.
December 23, 2007
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and John the Prophet
By Robert Lowery What in the world does Charles Dickens, the 19th-century British author, have to do with the first-century prophet John? I made a connection just the other night after reading Dickens”s short story, A Christmas Carol. The rereading of this classic work intersected with a paper I had graded earlier that evening written by a student in my class on Revelation. The theology of John and Dickens merged late that evening. Most of us are familiar with the characters in the story published in 1843″” Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, and Bob Cratchit and his family, notably Tiny Tim””if
December 19, 2007
The Price of War, the Promise of Peace
As war’s toll weighs heavily, this Christmas reflection considers peace through the stories of a former child soldier and an Army chaplain, then points to Jesus’ promise: “I have overcome the world.”
December 16, 2007
Messy Christmas!
By Jeff Walling One of the delights of the Christmas season is receiving cards from friends across the country. My wife displays the prettiest ones and leaves the rest in a basket on our kitchen table so we can cruise the photos and say, “Oh! Look how BIG he”s gotten!” about our newest nephew or my largest brother-in-law. Many have the classic nativity scenes, with adoring shepherds, a smiling Mary, and a glowing baby Jesus. It is these that I used to love the most until I came across an uncomfortable truth: Those Christmas cards are completely unbiblical. And what”s
December 5, 2007
Holly, Jolly, and Holy?
A church Christmas pageant blends cultural cheer with the story of Jesus’ birth. Mark A. Taylor reflects on balancing harmless holiday fun with a clear gospel message in a season shaped by commerce.
March 25, 2007
Teaching a Touchy Subject
Bob Russell explains how churches can preach on stewardship without sounding self-serving. Learn why timing matters, why total stewardship beats fundraising, and how mission-focused motivation can grow generosity.
December 24, 2006
‘Tis the Season
Christmas awakens a restless longing in many—through perfectionism, loneliness, grief, or escape. Like the Magi, people seek what they can’t fully name. This reflection calls believers to notice that longing and reach out.
December 24, 2006
The Insignificant in Christmas
Mark Scott reflects on Luke’s Christmas narrative, showing how God fills ordinary places, people, and events with profound meaning. From Bethlehem’s fields to the shepherds’ surprise, Christmas announces good news for outsiders, too.
December 24, 2006
O Come Let Us Adore Him
By Jackina Stark “”Tis the season to be BUSY.” The way-too-much-to-do usually begins the day after Thanksgiving. Or is the Christmas holiday stressful for only me? Just making my gift lists can wear me out, despite the fact one son-in-law never wants anything but a gift certificate. And most years rushing from store to store to purchase these gifts is a misery, with or without gale winds whipping icy snow into my face. And then, of course, those gifts I”ve toted home and hidden eventually have to be found and wrapped. I”m thrilled, of course, that my husband Tony wraps
December 24, 2006
An Odd Carol for This Christmas Season
A Christmas reflection on Acts 15 and the Jerusalem Conference, calling the church to recognize God’s work among outsiders and refuse unnecessary barriers for Gentiles turning to the Lord.
December 20, 2006
The Path of Peace
A Christmas reflection on the promised peace Christ brings—illustrated through Bill Pile’s response to terminal cancer—and a reminder that joy and peace grow when we stop focusing on ourselves and obey God.
December 17, 2006
Still Unto Us
A reflection on Christmas amid a world marked by anger and violence. Through Matthew’s birth narrative and Isaiah’s promise, we remember the Prince of Peace and the steady settling-in of shalom.
May 14, 2006
The Ministry of the Minister’s Assistant
Four administrative assistants to senior pastors share what they’ve learned about access, communication, staff structure, and trust. Their candid insights offer practical principles any church can apply as it grows.
December 25, 2005
Once Upon a Time in Bethlehem
In this imaginative Christmas retelling, Mary fears she has ruined God’s plan—until shepherds arrive with news of angels, glory, and a sign in Bethlehem. Regret gives way to wonder as joy breaks through the stable’s door.
December 18, 2005
The First Christmas Song
Mary’s Magnificat reveals a heart shaped by Scripture. Learn how studying, meditating, praying, and (eventually) memorizing God’s Word can weave biblical language into everyday rhythms and form our responses to life.
December 11, 2005
A Junky Christmas
“Treasures or trinkets—it’s all in the eyes of the beholders.” This Christmas reflection looks at the Magi’s gifts and reminds us that trinkets become treasure as symbols of adoration, gratitude, and love.
May 15, 2005
Thank God for Harry Potter
Harry Potter has divided Christian opinion, but James F. Sennett explains why he’s grateful for the series—addressing concerns about “occult” themes and pointing to moral clarity, reading joy, and age-appropriate storytelling.
