There is a quiet contradiction in America, one that lives in our homes, our churches, our calendars and our consumer habits. It is the reality that the most theologically powerful moment in Christianity — the resurrection of Jesus Christ —…
We spent Christmas visiting my husband in ICE detention
My family loves the holiday season. So much so that we listen to Christmas music year-round. Our yard is usually the most decorated on the street. We attend the Christmas Eve candlelight service at church with our daughter. On Christmas…
Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition
In the course of my 73 years, Christmas greetings from governmental agencies always have been cautiously nonsectarian. On a typical Sunday morning in the mid-1950s, half the population of the United States was in church, and more than 90% of…
Churches deliver Christmas to immigrants detained, deported and in hiding
Earlier this month, the Rev. Pilar Pérez, a United Methodist minister in the denomination’s Western North Carolina Conference, called up a parishioner who hadn’t been to worship in a while. The pastor encouraged the congregant to attend Christmas services, even…
No policy required: Choosing joy across differences
On Sunday afternoon, I put together a small surprise for my niece. Her mom was taking her to Disney, and I wanted the moment to feel real before the magic officially began. I bought shirts, pressed them myself, wrapped everything…
Saving Christmas, losing Christ
The calendar flips to December and the old, familiar talking points begin. The White House tweeted, “We’re saying MERRY CHRISTMAS again!” along with a photo of President Donald Trump standing stiffly next to a Christmas tree. Laura Ingraham has warned…
Why I eat an orange every Christmas
Things were not merry and bright for Edison Cantwell and his five children during the 1932 Christmas season. Christmas was not a welcome time for the Cantwells. Even so, the Christmas of 1932 was going to be a memorable one….
A surprising elevator music Christmas prayer for peace
Not to rush the season or anything — the box stores, television ads and social media feeds have done that — but I want to call attention to a Christmas song you’ve probably already heard this year. It’s part of…
Rich Villodas is waiting for Christmas
Like most of us, Rich Villodas has trouble waiting. His latest book comes from that personal experience he believes will resonate with others in this Advent season of awaiting the birth of the Christ Child. Waiting “is very painful, I…
Now AI Trump reads Bible stories for children
’Tis the season when Christians flock to theaters or streaming services to watch the latest children’s cartoon movie about the birth of Jesus. But in the world of Christian nationalists, 2025 has been the year of utilizing AI. After Charlie…
Upside Down Advent: Anxiety versus peace
I had the good fortune to spend three hours in the car with my son Garrett Saturday. He’s our avant garde jazz saxophonist and composer/arranger. He told me about a Substack he’s reading that’s written by a well-known figure in…
All I Want for Christmas Is a Time Machine
“If you could be dropped down in any biblical scene … except for the Resurrection,” I asked, “where would you go?”