CONTENTS December 2021

candle in window, looking out window to a snowy landscape

He’s coming—really!

What makes Christmas Christmas?

Parent conversations: How can we help today’s overwhelmed teens?

My Christian life: Finding real Christmas joy while in the hospital

DECEMBER ISSUE

He’s coming—really!

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation…

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A heart captured by the gospel: Article 2

When we know God has declared us righteous because of Jesus, we are consumed by a desire…

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Purposeful discussions

Sixty years ago, our synod was faced with the most difficult decision in its history. For more…

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Confessions of faith: Allen and Rosalind Braun

Neighborly kindness—and blueberry pancakes—forge a relationship that leads a couple on a path to Jesus. For Allen…

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What makes Christmas Christmas?

Christmas isn’t about what we do. It’s about Christ coming to earth to do what we were…

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Q&A: Is our time of grace really unchangeable?

Our “time of grace” refers to the time we are alive to come to know Jesus. Is…

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Bible study: The comfort of God’s providence

God’s providence means that everything happens according to God’s design (even permitting evil to work for the…

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Parent conversations: How can we help today’s overwhelmed teens?

Being a teen has always involved struggle and angst. The difference today is that a teen’s struggles…

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My Christian life: Finding real Christmas joy while in the hospital

A hospital stay during Christmas helps a pastor focus on real Christmas joy. “Please, Lord, please let…

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Please explain: As a Christian, what does it mean to be humble?

Humility is one of those topics that I really don’t like to talk about. To be clear,…

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Less eyes. More ears.

We see God’s beauty and power in nature, but we hear of God’s grace only in his…

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A thought: Mary

Mary was a special woman, chosen for an exceptional part in God’s plan. But Matthew does not…

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The book of James: Waiting for Christ’s return

Christ is coming! That was the Old Testament believers’ great hope. He did come to lowly crib…

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Having all the facts

Well, it happened again. Almost immediately after 24-year-old gymnast Simone Biles walked away from the team competition…

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Away in a feed trough

Jesus lived a real human life, subject to all the realities of the times in which he…

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