"Visit us this night with angels, give us ears to hear the chorus of good news of great joy for all people, grant us the courage to leave what we know in order to encounter heaven come to earth," writes Jill Duffield.
"Make us as eager as the shepherds to leave our familiar fields to go and see the One who has come to save the world," writes Jill Duffield.
Sappy sentiments about “home” pervade this season no less than cheesy Christmas music and relentless advertisements telling us to buy things. The..
I confess: Learning that the New Testament never uses the word stable or barn to describe where Jesus was born was borderline..
I have found the Christmas Eve sermon the hardest one to prepare. The biblical story has little to do with where listeners..
Beloved Presbyterian poet J. Barrie Shepherd has crafted hymns for Advent, Christmas and welcoming in the new year set to familiar Christmas tunes..
No one sings together anymore. Or so lamented Mary Schmich in a glum Chicago Tribune newspaper column 18 years ago. Group..
"We pray this Christmas to welcome the Prince of Peace, not just with 'Silent Night,' but with joy, to and for the world..." — Jill Duffield
Guest commentary by Kathleen Long Bostrom Nativity scenes have long held a special place in my heart. I am the proud owner..
Guest commentary by Carrie Martinka My daughters can’t wait to go to church. In fact, they look forward to going to a special..
Guest review by Jerry Chapman Everyone has their own rituals during the holidays, leading up to Christmas day. And I'm pretty cool..
"Away in a manager, no crib for a bed." The beloved Christmas hymn came vividly alive to me one Advent when I..
They shall name him Emmanuel – which means “God is with us” (Matthew 1:23).
by Julie Coffman Hester I have a problem with elves. Apart from Will Ferrell in the movie “Elf,” and Hermey the dentist..
By Julie Coffman Hester Read her related Outlook feature article “I have a problem with elves” Hope4CE – Columbia Seminary professor Kathy Dawson’s..
Christmas presents pastors and churches with a challenge that Easter does not. Easter bunnies and chicks have only nibbled and pecked at..
by Joseph D. Small YEARS AGO, when I was preparing to leave my pastorate in Rochester, New York, to begin work in the..
by Christopher Edmonston When we read the Christmas story closely we find theological intrigue and dramatic tension. Will Joseph and Mary get out..
As a singer/songwriter or popular band, taking on holiday music can be a tricky venture. You're pandering to a very defined theme..
by John M. Mulder and F. Morgan Roberts Cascade Books, Eugene, Ore. 182 pages REVIEWED BY THOMAS G. LONG In 2014, the..
by Kenneth Phelps 'Tis the season to be stressed? The holiday season is upon us, predictably filled with both excitement and trepidation...
The digital issue of the Presbyterian Outlook’s December 7, 2015 issue is now available! It is viewable on most computers, tablets, and smartphones. Click here..
by Susan R. Andrews CSS Publishing, Lima, Ohio. 164 pages Susan Andrews is a skilled preacher who knows how to shape theology..
Every church prepares for Christmas. Perhaps your church produces an elaborate pageant or the choir sings special music during worship. We light..
The church was beautifully adorned with poinsettias and greens, and the Advent wreath was fully lighted, including the candle in the center, which stands for Jesus.
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