The great power of Christmas is that simple phrase: God is with us. From cradle to grave, God is with us. In an awesome demonstration of solidarity our whole lives long, God is with us.
For Unto Us a Child Is Born
Blue Christmas: A Space for Lament
And so I want to say this, because we don't hear it often enough: if you are not feeling happy, if you are mourning, if you are grieving, if you're feeling sorrowful, you are no further from God than when you are celebrating and happy. In fact, in my theology, you're probably a little closer to where God is, to that Christ who hangs on the cross and cries out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Bearing God
Perhaps our real discomfort with Mary should be if it should turn out that she was in fact the only one bearing Christ into the world. For she does not seek to bear God into the world alone. Mary is an exemplar, to be sure, and exemplars are meant to be imitated.
Why Die Hard Isn’t a Christmas Movie and Children of Men Is
Every year at this time the internet once again tackles the pressing question: Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? I remember the first time I heard this question, the answer was so self-evident in my mind: of course it's not a Christmas movie. But a lot of people argue that it is—including most of the young adult…
The War on Christmas (2015 Starbucks Edition)
If there was a War on Christmas, it was won so decisively and so completely that nary a single shot was fired back. The business world has defined the holiday. Now, when people talk about Christmas, they do it on the terms that the retailers have set.
A Light in the Darkness
There are some Christmas traditions that are old and some that are new. Of the newer ones, the tradition of pointing out that Jesus was not likely born in December is one that is heard more and more frequently. It will often be noted that Christians just stole the Roman holiday of Saturnalia and Christianized…
What is Born this Day
Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people. Your savior is born today in David’s city. He…