CONTENTS

candle in window, looking out window to a snowy landscape

He’s coming—really!

Baby Jesus

What makes Christmas Christmas?

upset teen girl sitting by wall

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

Thomas Rawert's family

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…

This entry is part 36 of 80 in the series devotion
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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…

This entry is part 2 of 3 in the series heart captured by the gospel
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Purposeful discussions

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

This entry is part 37 of 72 in the series presidents message
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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…

This entry is part 20 of 83 in the series confessions-of-faith
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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…

This entry is part 20 of 86 in the series question-answer
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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…

This entry is part 21 of 66 in the series bible-study
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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…

This entry is part 20 of 91 in the series parent conversations
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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…

This entry is part 33 of 68 in the series my christian life
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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,…

This entry is part 19 of 73 in the series please explain
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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…

This entry is part 12 of 46 in the series a-thought
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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…

This entry is part 22 of 66 in the series bible-study
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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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