Several years ago, my congregation, a bedroom community of upper-middleclass people, wrestled with the idea of continuing blanket subscriptions to The Lutheran Witness for all members due to your huge increase in price. At the same time, I noted that you began using glossy, heavy paper, which surely added considerably to your costs. I submit …
I commend the letter which appeared in the December Lutheran Witness and suggested that congregations consider assisting pastors with their educational debt. The average educational debt that 2008 seminary graduates carried into the pastoral ministry was more than $27,300. Since this is the average amount, there are many new pastors who have much higher educational …
My comment is for Diane Strzelecki who wrote “Bringing a Nativity Set to Every Home” (December). This is a great idea—I’m happy to see it publicized in The Lutheran Witness. In the past, I have included, along with the nativity set, a child’s book of Jesus’ birth and the story of Christmas to go along …
As a 75-year-old recently new-born Christian, I have so much to learn. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” Dr. Reed Lessing’s December article on Matthew’s genealogy was a real blessing. It reminded me yet again of the depths beyond depth in God’s Word. Though I can never fathom them all, the story of those five women …
I received my December issue of The Lutheran Witness and was utterly appalled at the cover page. It belongs on the cover of a child’s publication. Why was there not a picture of the nativity or at least a picture relating to the birth of our Savior? The article “The Great Christmas Wars” could still …
I am commenting on the article “The Christmas Wars.” There are wars indeed to be fought over Christmas, but nothing so trivial as “Merry Christmas” versus “Happy Holidays.” No, this war is much bigger. This is the war on materialism and how it detracts from worshiping God. I fear I’m alone in this war, and …
Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? —Matt. 6:26 ESV
Despite its current economic or political clime, Bethlehem is still the place where Christ was born—where many still travel to remember a night long ago in this little town when the Light of the World came into its ‘dark streets.’
by Rev. Jonathan C. Watt Read 2 Peter 1:16–18. He was an eyewitness. St. Peter said he saw the majesty of Jesus. The word majesty is a kingly word. It has to do with greatness and power. Glory is another word for majesty. That’s what Peter says he and the other disciples saw. He recalls …
Thoughts for the New Year The most important thing in communication is to listen for the things not being said. Happiness comes through doors you didn’t know you left open. When someone says, “That’s a good question,” you can be sure it’s a lot better than the answer you’re going to get. Don’t expect God …
by Theresa M. Shaltanis God has blessed us with a son who is a hard worker, talented, and compassionate. He is also gay, and he has questioned why God made him this way. I told him I don’t know the answer, but that God doesn’t make “junk,” and that I will always love him. I …
I ask this question as a Roman Catholic who by way of marriage is related to many Missouri Synod Lutherans. I am, in fact, a eucharistic minister, and I have been asked by members of my extended family to commune elderly Lutheran relatives residing in assisted-living facilities. I have refused based on my understanding of …