The messy hope of Christmas
The reality and context of Jesus’ birth are far more inspiring than the sanitized version that Western culture embraces, a pastor writes.
« Back to Liturgical Seasons
Christmas
Recently published
Christmas is a season for the unexpected
Partners, collaborators and allies may first show up as unannounced and unknown visitors, writes a director of grants with Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.
Link to author Victoria Atkinson White
By
Victoria Atkinson White
Director of Grants, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity
Can’t relate to Christmas Mary? There’s good news for you too
For women without biological children, the veneration of Mary can be alienating. But Mary’s freedom song in Luke’s Gospel offers another way to regard the mother of Jesus, writes an author.
Link to author Erin S. Lane
By
Erin S. Lane
Writer
What was Joseph to do?
Mary is understandably a focus of most Advent stories, but there are also lessons to learn from Joseph, writes a director of programs and grants at Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.
Link to author Mycal X. Brickhouse
By
Mycal X. Brickhouse
Director of programs and grants, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity
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.
Link to author Kalina Carlson
By
Kalina Carlson
Associate pastor and entrepreneur
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
