The hard work of hope
"But hope is not a wish. ... Hope is trusting that no matter what pains or tragedies befall us, no matter what darkness envelopes us, no matter what grief we live with, that God is still here."
Latest Posts
A prayer for 2022 and 2023
Allysen Schaaf pens a prayer for the new year.
Order of worship — January 1, 2023
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
New Year’s Day — January 1, 2023
Kyle Walker invites us to pause in the New Year and use Psalm 148 as a guide to see how creation praises God in ordinary, extraordinary ways.
Education Secretary Cardona: ‘If it weren’t for my faith, I wouldn’t be here’
A sign on Cardona’s desk reads “Let your faith be bigger than your fear.”
Christians from Myanmar celebrate passage Of US BURMA Act
Last week, America's Congress passed the historic Burma Unified through Rigorous Military Accountability Act of 2022 (BURMA) Act, an act that will authorize sanctions against senior officials in Myanmar’s military and state-owned commercial enterprises, support democracy efforts and provide humanitarian relief.
Why early Christians wouldn’t have found the Christmas story’s virgin birth so surprising
The idea of virgin birth has been part of Christianity since the start, but its significance has shifted over time.
What does it mean to believe in the Prince of Peace?
Whether in Handel's "Messiah" or Isaiah 9, Advent heralds the coming of the Prince of Peace. What does that mean to a society where religion and war are often interconnected?
Books briefly noted: Bible and theology
Amy Pagliarella recommends some new books that explore the Bible and theology.
Decolonizing Christmas
Kelle J. Brown shares how her church uses a gold Christ candle instead of a white one. “Our need for [traditional symbols] should never outweigh our pursuit for inclusion,” she writes.
In Search Of The Real St. Nicholas’ Deep Roots In Turkey
The modern pop culture Santa evolved from stories about Bishop Nicholas of Myra, who lived in what is now Turkey and was revered for centuries because of his selfless generosity, good deeds and love of others, especially children.
Introducing the Outlook’s new managing editor
Presbyterian Outlook welcomes Dartinia Hull to our editorial staff.
Vatican II after 60 years
Conservatives, reading Vatican II's documents like biblical fundamentalists, miss what it meant to participants.
An ode to diverse joy
Based on Psalm 100, this free hymn can be sung to the tune of "Ode to Joy" and celebrates diversity and inclusivity.
Books briefly noted: For the church
Three recent books focused on our life together in the church.
Solstice
A poem for December 21 by Scott Barton.
What do the lonely do at Christmas?
Now, more than ever, people are becoming comfortable sharing their grief and longing during the holidays.
Eight things that will surprise you about Hanukkah
Great truths about Hanukkah. One for each night. (As for the 'right' way to spell it, you're on your own.)
William Barber launches new center at Yale, will retire from church
The Rev. William Barber said the center's goal is to 'prepare a new generation' to create 'a just society both in the academy and in the streets.'
Threat and promise, problem and possibility: The changing landscape in theological education
Envisioning new and creative possibilities for seminaries with Columbia Theological Seminary’s new president, Victor Aloyo.
Co-Moderators of the PC(USA)’s 225th General Assembly share their work and their hearts
The Rev. Shavon Starling-Louis and the Rev. Ruth Faith Santana-Grace are the final guests for 2022 on ‘Leading Theologically.’
A word from the Stated Clerk
J. Herbert Nelson offers Christmas encouragement.
Determined to rebuild, First Presbyterian Church of Mayfield reflects on a year of lessons from a December 2021 tornado
Western Kentucky church finds ways to bless others while working and planning together.
At-home Christmas liturgy
Here is a tool to invite the holy into the day.
Order of worship — December 25, 2022
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
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