The search for baby Jesus
Faith in Action

The search for baby Jesus

And the Word became flesh and lived among us … (John 1:14) When I took my church job in 2002, I was tasked with organizing the annual Christmas Eve family…
My take: Mary as a figure of power
Voices of Faith

My take: Mary as a figure of power

I have always loved Mary, the mother of our Lord, and each year she becomes more important to me. But my love for Mary does not come from admiration of…
I’m a Lutheran: Debra J. Bonde
Mission & Ministry

I’m a Lutheran: Debra J. Bonde

Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Livonia, Mich. Founder and director of Seedlings Braille Books for Children I founded Seedlings Braille Books for Children 35 years ago because I heard that braille books…
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Voices of Faith

Truly human

Every December, I take somewhat dark delight in viewing (Google it for grins) a 1926 painting by German artist Max Ernst titled “The Blessed Virgin Chastising the Infant Jesus before…
Invited into the wilderness
Voices of Faith

Invited into the wilderness

Our Advent lectionary readings this year are a rich tapestry. In Matthew’s Gospel, we are swept up together in the comforting but challenging reality of the “already” and the “not…
Mister Rogers and the practice of silence
Voices of Faith

Mister Rogers and the practice of silence

When Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys), the Esquire magazine reporter who serves as protagonist and audience surrogate in the new drama A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, meets Joanne Rogers (Maryann…
From hype to hope
Voices of Faith

From hype to hope

Anticipation and excitement make the jump to hyperspeed as we approach the big day in late December: the release of the new “Star Wars” movie, the final chapter in the…
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Voices of Faith

Perspective: A thank-filled Thanksgiving

My mom loves thank-you cards. She sends them on a whim, joyfully, breathlessly. She keeps a stack in her house for any occasion that requires giving thanks, such as when…
My faith journey: Everyday spirituality
Spiritual Resources

My faith journey: Everyday spirituality

“For most of my adult life, I’ve been struggling to find a spiritual practice that works for me,” someone told me in confidence. In separate conversations, others have privately confessed…
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Voices of Faith

Sports, award shows and God

The sight is familiar. The artist walks up to the microphone, triumphant music playing, and the host invites them to speak. The artist looks at the trophy and says, “Wow….