Our grief doesn’t stop during Advent
The shepherds’ story within the greater nativity offers wisdom for those mourning a loss during Christmas, a pastor writes.
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Christmas
Recently published
It's time to talk about Advent in a pandemic
If congregations begin to consider what Advent and Christmas might look like online, they will have time to imagine and plan together, writes a managing director of Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.
Link to author Nathan Kirkpatrick
By
Nathan Kirkpatrick
Principal, Saison Consulting, LLC
Patricia La Cross: Finding improbable joy in a difficult world
After attending a New Year’s Eve protest at a medium security prison, a writer reflects on shouting out love and finding hope -- with joy -- in a new year.
Link to author Patricia La Cross
By
Patricia La Cross
Writer
Melissa Musick Nussbaum: Make room for the real work of nativity and resurrection
Getting ready to host an immigrant family, a writer and speaker reflects on the book of Acts and the post-holiday question of “now what?”
Link to author Melissa Musick Nussbaum
By
Melissa Musick Nussbaum
Writer
Christmas Festival brings 'good news of great joy' to a diverse and changing world
The St. Olaf Christmas Festival, one of the oldest and most highly regarded musical Christmas celebrations in the country, is a constantly changing ‘global event,’ bringing a message the world wants and needs to hear.
By
Jeff Strickler
Journalist
Gretchen E. Ziegenhals: How do we make a lasting impact in a culture of instant gratification?
This Christmas, what are we as church leaders painting, praying, preaching, proclaiming or prophesying that will endure for another 500 years? Are we conveying the hope of the Christ child that keeps us alive despite the darkness that threatens to overwhelm us?
Link to author Gretchen E. Ziegenhals
By
Gretchen E. Ziegenhals
Spiritual director and retreat leader
A worship service for a year of generosity and abundance
This worship service is based on Puerto Rican Christmas traditions, which include joyful gatherings of friends and family, music, and a soup called asopao.
Link to author Thea L. Racelis
By
Thea L. Racelis
Minister, Northwest Community Church, Las Vegas
Thea L. Racelis: Puerto Rican Christmas means asopao and resistance
A pastor shares the traditions of her native island, where big parties with steaming bowls of delicious soup called asopao symbolize abundance, hope and resistance.
Link to author Thea L. Racelis
By
Thea L. Racelis
Minister, Northwest Community Church, Las Vegas
Meredith Williams: We are people who ...
Chrismons -- white and gold ornaments representing the story of Christ -- are part of the identity of the Lutheran congregation in Virginia where they originated six decades ago.
Link to author Meredith Williams
By
Meredith Williams
Pastor, Ascension Lutheran Church, Danville, Virginia
Ken Evers-Hood: A case for good-enough parenting and pastoring
Mary and Joseph lost Jesus amidst the Passover crowds. They tried their best but weren’t perfect, and I don’t have to be either, writes a pastor.
Link to author Ken Evers-Hood
By
Ken Evers-Hood
Pastor, Tualatin Presbyterian Church
Deb Richardson-Moore: A Savior is born to all us shepherds
In this excerpt from her book “The Weight of Mercy,” the pastor of Triune Mercy Center recalls the church’s first mid-week Christmas Eve service and the homily she delivered on her favorite Christmas subject, shepherds.
Link to author Deb Richardson-Moore
By
Deb Richardson-Moore
Pastor, Triune Mercy Center
