January 10, 2024
News Briefs for January 10
MACU Rwanda has graduated its first two students. Also briefs about Johnson University Florida, ICOM, a Woman's World Conference at Manhattan Christian College, and more. . . .
Articles for tag: Christmas
January 1, 2024
Mental Health Support Important for Those on the Field
By Laura McKillip Wood When Troy and Roma Jean Backhuus started taking short-term mission trips in 1996, they had no idea they were beginning a ministry that would become a huge part of their lives. On that trip and subsequent ones, they witnessed how hard it can be for cross-cultural ministers to get the care they need, including mental health care. Studies indicate the majority of missionaries experience a mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety, or burnout during their time of service. These servants may not have access to counseling, psychiatric services, or even friends to support them in
December 25, 2023
The One Thing They Couldn’t Steal
Today, in the final of six Christmas memories that Christian leaders so generously shared with us this season, Christian writer and speaker Seana Scott describes how her family tried to make the best of a nightmare situation. Merry Christmas to all!
December 24, 2023
‘The Spirit of Christmas Eve’ (1906)
In this excerpt from a 1906 essay, Anna D. Bradley responded to a correspondent who contended that Christmas Day was "handed down from heathendom." . . .
December 24, 2023
Christmas: Good News for All People
In today's penultimate Christmas memory, Team Expansion president Doug Lucas describes a scene during a bus ride that opened his eyes in a new way to the great need for Christ around the world. . . .
December 23, 2023
Recalling the All-Dorm Christmas Celebrations at CCU’s Restoration Hall
In today's Christmas memory, Christian educator Rick Cherok reflects on Christmas celebrations at Cincinnati Christian University's Restoration Hall, where he was resident director for 13 years.
December 22, 2023
‘Born that Man No More May Die’
Christian college professor Genilyn McCaffrey starts her Christmas memory by writing, "As a preacher’s kid whose dad also happened to direct the church choirs, I spent the Sundays before Christmas in kids’ choir practices and waiting around for the adult rehearsals to finish. . . ."
December 21, 2023
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Christmas at Simeon’s House’ (1978)
"We need to share Simeon’s experience," Editor Sam Stone wrote in 1978. "We need to see the Lord this Christmas. Simply hearing of the infant in a manger is not enough, however. We must look with the eye of faith to Calvary, knowing that there He died for us." . . .
December 20, 2023
A Box of Christmas Memories
"My mother was the 'Cindy Lou Who' to the Christmas 'Grinches' in our family," Indiana minister Eric Hallstrom writes in this second in a series of six Christmas memories we are sharing. "I have to admit, I may have been one of those grouches during my growing-up years. . . ."
December 19, 2023
The Wish Book
Over the next several days, Christian leaders will be sharing favorite Christmas memories with readers. Today we hear from retired Christian educator Dan Schantz about "The Holy Grail of Christmas" his mother would bring home during the last week of August. . . .
December 18, 2023
Everyone’s Invited
Everyone was invited that first Christmas. God saw to that . . .
December 18, 2023
Dec. 24 Lesson | The True Light Enters the World
Jesus was coming into the world—that is the essence of the Christmas story. . . .
December 18, 2023
Dec. 24 Application | Dreaming of a ‘Right Christmas’
Deep down, at Christmas, most of us don’t long for more presents and fancier holiday extravaganzas. We do yearn, however, for simplicity and mercy. . . .
December 14, 2023
Overwhelmed by Christmas, Again!
"The coming of Christ is breathtakingly good news for all who feel overwhelmed with any need," Alan Ahlgrim wrote in 2014. "Jesus didn't merely identify with us; he came to assume the crushing, overwhelming burden of our sin. . . ."
December 11, 2023
Beyond the Manger
Jesus didn’t come to be saved from death; he came to save us from death. . . .
December 4, 2023
A Life Given, Not Taken
The biblical record of Jesus’ birth calls our attention to two kings. . . .
November 13, 2023
Settle In (Matthew 26:17-19)
The Lord's Supper invites God's family to the finely crafted table of his love . . .
November 1, 2023
The Advent of Jesus into a Wicked World
By Michael C. Mack Each Christmas I faithfully sing the hymn . . . though I question the historical accuracy of the words. Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright. . . . As I read the biblical accounts, I imagine the atmosphere surrounding Jesus’ birth as something other than silent, calm, and bright. More like clamorous and chaotic. The streets of Bethlehem are bustling as people from across the region arrive in their ancestral hometown to register for Caesar Augustus’s census. Joseph and Mary walk wide-eyed through throngs of fellow Jews from King David’s line hectically looking
November 1, 2023
‘Tis the Season for Justice
By Tyler McKenzie Did you know that in the past century at least three countries outlawed the public recitation of Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55)? • Before the end of British rule over India, the Magnificat was prohibited from being sung in churches. • In the 1980s, the Guatemalan government banned it because they believed Mary’s words provoked revolutionary zeal. • And the military dictatorship that ruled in Argentina from 1976 to 1983 also banned the Magnificat. During that time, those in command “disappeared” 30,000 people. Mothers created signs emblazoned with the names of their abducted children and Mary’s song and took
May 10, 2023
‘Mom, I Love You’: How Four Little Words Transformed My Life
In Celebrate Recovery, making amends is one of the final steps. This step demands a person seek forgiveness from anyone they’ve hurt or offended, as well as grant pardon to those who’ve hurt or offended them. I still had one last person to pardon . . . and she had hurt me most. It was my own mother. But to understand the end, let’s start from the beginning. . . .
