Christmas

Read more about the article The Gift That Can’t Stay Wrapped

The Gift That Can’t Stay Wrapped

A handful of songs on my stand-up bass for the Christmas Eve service. And our family of twenty for a week of food and fun. But as the calendar turned, my stress levels escalated as I tried to make each event perfect and memorable. In the years since then I have found that the greatest gift I can give others— prayer—is also one that keeps on giving . . . not only to them but also to me. As we surround the days ahead in prayer, we will find this spiritual gift has a lasting impact.

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Read more about the article LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Getting Beyond Pintrest Christmas

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Getting Beyond Pintrest Christmas

Here’s the thing about those Pinterest quotes, those “Choose Joy This Christmas” signs—when you’re at your lowest, they just bounce off you. They’re flat. One-dimensional words that don’t mean anything when you’re suffocating inside your own head while everyone else is singing carols.

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Read more about the article The Big Q

The Big Q

Q: Amid the Christmas traditions of Santa Claus, trees, and presents, how can Christians celebrate while staying true to the holiday’s deeper spiritual meaning? A: The modern Santa Claus is actually a fascinating transformation of a remarkable historical figure.

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Read more about the article The First Noel

The First Noel

Each year as my family decorates the tree, we sing “The First Noel” and add on those yarn wreaths. We remember it is a “choice to rejoice.” It also seems as we reflect on that first Christmas and our decision to “choose joy,” we can see why God placed this vital truth in our lives as a strong foundation for our future.

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Read more about the article Joan C. Benson & Marjorie Wingert: Building Cornerstones for Tough Conversations

Joan C. Benson & Marjorie Wingert: Building Cornerstones for Tough Conversations

In this powerful feature, Joan C. Benson and Marjorie Wingert share how their God-ordained partnership is shaping young hearts through impactful storytelling. Their work is a beautiful example of how women can build strong foundations for tough conversations that lead to lasting change. Read the cover story to learn how these two women are making a difference in the lives of the next generation.

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