
First person: Don’t let familiarity rob you of Christmas joy
Regarding Christmas specifically, genuine Christians would never show open contempt for the nativity, but our familiarity can rob us of its joy.

Regarding Christmas specifically, genuine Christians would never show open contempt for the nativity, but our familiarity can rob us of its joy.

Advent should remind justice-minded Christians their “yearning” and “longing for more” is rooted in the awareness God’s Kingdom has come, but it also is yet to come, theologian Will Willimon told religious leaders on a Zoom call convened by Pastors for Texas Children.

“Faithfulness in this season calls me to be present with my family in a way that cannot be sustained by the obligations of my current ministry role. Our mission remains unchanged because it is rooted in God’s calling, not in one individual. God’s plan for this organization is bigger than any single person’s role. I have every confidence the Lord will guide and undergird WMU. His faithfulness does not change.” —Sandy Wisdom-Martin

Most congregations have not fully captured God’s vision for them and too often settle for average — rather than strive for exceptional, says George Bullard.

Scott Foshie’s tenure as IBSA executive director officially begins April 1. But as of Jan. 1, he has a plan for his first 100 days. “In my apprenticeship season with Nate (Adams), which I am grateful for, I am also going to be in a deep listening season.”

For 49 years, South Carolina Baptists have provided a Christmas gift to every inmate in the state, bringing hope to nearly 1 million people over the life of the ministry.

“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” is one of the most pleasant and beloved songs of the Christmas season. Although its popularity was revived in recent

Okay, I admit my subjectivity here. And, I realize some (if not many) readers will disagree with me.

The community food pantry at Apison Baptist Church in Apison, Tennessee, saw an uptick in demand this past November when the government shutdown disrupted SNAP benefits, forcing families to seek emergency food assistance.

As a single dad, I spent many Christmas Eves alone. While I wrapped presents for my son, I sometimes wondered what he might be doing.
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