The LCMS

Why Did He Bother?

by Rev. Thomas Chryst It’s finally here. After all the preparations, all the waiting, all the expectation, Christmas is here. And Christmas is many things. Christmas is decorations and celebrations. Christmas is ham and eggnog and cookies. Christmas is white and red and green. Christmas is visions of sugarplums and big-hearted grinches. Or is it?

Freedom of faith

I am one of the “no” people when it comes to Christianity being the foundation or the guiding force of our nation (“What Makes America American?”). Christianity is the belief in Christ, the Savior, the Trinity. The quotes often used point to our country being founded on a belief in God, which is true, but

The Visit of the Magi: Fact or Fiction?

by Dr. Paul L. Maier For years, biblical critics have questioned many details in the Christmas Gospels, such as the Annunciation, the Roman census, the Virgin Birth, the angelic announcement to the shepherds, and the infant massacre at Bethlehem. While secular evidence from the ancient world actually supports many aspects of the Nativity, one objection

History is being rewritten

I started reading with great anticipation the article, “What Makes America American?” However, I was left scratching my head when I finished because the article failed to address the reason why this topic is even on Americans’ radar screens. We have a president who declared, in June 2007, “Whatever we once were, we’re no longer

Changed for the better

I have read The Lutheran Witness many years and have probably saved all of them since 1997. My opinion of it had fallen off after the last few years, but I can say without question that it changed for the better with the October issue. I have heard Dr. Rast speak. I so enjoyed his

Hitting the million mark

I think the last issue of The Lutheran Witness was wonderful and filled with great articles. I especially loved the hymnal article (“Hitting the Million Mark”). I hope many people read it so they start to realize how special it is to use a hymnal for worship. Too many churches in our Synod don’t. I

Heads and tails above the rest

Having read your monthly journal for a number of years now, I wanted to express my gratitude for your work. The last two months especially have been heads and tails above the rest! The writing is well done, and the choice of topics and presentation address many of the concerns of my congregations here in

Your Light Has Come!

After the joy and happiness of Christmas are over, it’s easy to feel a post-holiday letdown. But Dr. Lessing has the cure for your winter blahs: Jesus’ death and resurrection . . . for you!

Providing solace from society

It has been my recent experience that many churches, including Lutheran churches, appear to be emphasizing contemporary technology. This takes the form of screens, amplified instruments (usually guitars), and monitor stations. In some churches, the architecture accommodates the monitor station, which is plainly visible. Often the amplified music is loud. The lyrics may not always

Yes, Virginia. There Are Angels!

Hallmark, Hollywood, and even some favorite traditions portray angels as chubby, happy cherubs. Why does the Bible say they strike fear in the hearts of those who see them?

Caring for Caregivers

by Dr. Leslie (Jack) Fyans My mother lives in a nursing home in another state and is becoming more erratic in how she reacts to staff there. My siblings and I get calls asking us to “convince” Mom to cooperate when they have to take her to the hospital or to have a procedure. Our

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