28 March, 2024

Christmas

This Wasn’t in the Script

This Wasn’t in the Script

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“It’s the late 1990s, and I’m sitting in the audience of the annual Christmas production at my suburban megachurch when something happens that’s obviously not in the script (or the Scriptures, for that matter),” writes Austin Gohn, lead pastor with Bellevue Christian Church in Pittsburgh.

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COVID Christmas

COVID Christmas

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“On Dec. 16, 2020—my brother-in-law and husband, both pastors in our church, tested positive for COVID-19,” Tina Wilson writes. Many other leaders needed to be quarantined, as well. At Ekklesia Christian Church, this all came at the start of 13 worship services over the next 14 days, closing on property, and launching a generosity initiative . . .

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A Tender Christmas Memory

A Tender Christmas Memory

Reading Time: 4 minutes

“On Christmas evening, I found a quiet place to call Dad,” Jackina Stark writes. “He sounded so good. I wished him a Merry Christmas and asked how his day had been. ‘I had a great day!’ he said. . . .” (This is another in a series of Christmas memories we are sharing all this week.)

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A Christmas Gift That Warmed My Heart

A Christmas Gift That Warmed My Heart

Reading Time: 5 minutes

When Bob Russell accepted an invitation to a Christmas brunch, he didn’t expect one of the most heartwarming and inspirational Christmas presents he’s ever received. (Check back every day this week for another Christmas memory.)

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‘It Was Our Time to Shine’

‘It Was Our Time to Shine’

Reading Time: 4 minutes

All this week, Christian leaders will be sharing favorite Christmas memories with readers. Today we hear from Johnson University educator Kendi Howells Douglas, who recalls being in children’s Christmas programs at her Minnesota church. Check back every morning, through Christmas Day, for more recollections.

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Giftmart Ministry Takes Big Steps Back to Normalcy This Christmas

Giftmart Ministry Takes Big Steps Back to Normalcy This Christmas

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Amy Plummer says the COVID-19 pandemic certainly hasn’t made it easier to reach at-risk families in her community with the love of Christ. Plummer oversees a ministry called Giftmart at Community Christian Church, a multisite congregation in the Chicago metro. Now in its 19th year, Giftmart collects toys for families in need to purchase at a deep discount. . . .

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