by Stan Palmer Although written from a modern evangelical perspective (Fuller Youth Institute), “Silence is Not Golden” is a thought-provoking discussion about the ongoing parental challenge of effectively communicating and nurturing the Christian faith in our children. It is a problem that not only transcends denominational boundaries, but it is one that is worsening in

by Rev. Gregory Alms Advent is the Rodney Dangerfield of the Church Year seasons. It gets no respect. In the mad rush to Christmas, the season of Advent can get pushed aside like hapless shoppers in the way of a bargain at Wal-Mart. When churches try to keep this time of preparation for the birth

by Dr. Gene Edward Veith What with gay marriage, single parenthood, just living together and soaring divorce rates, its little wonder that 40 percent of Americans think that marriage is obsolete. Most Americans no longer think marriage is necessary for having sex. (60 percent believe its morally acceptable to have sex before marriage.)  Or necessary

By Theodore Stolp Christ will be cradled. Agitation may ban the Christmas crche from some public place. Yet the cradled Christ is still before men. “Away in a manger,” sing children’s voices. An art print of a famous crche adorns a national magazine. Homes vie in creating the most attractive manger scene. Even live actors

Christmas can be difficult for those struggling with loneliness, depression or stress. How can you help your family find joy in Christmas this year? by Dr. Beverly Yahnke Many of us have enjoyed decades of Norman Rockwell Christmases with our families and friends, savoring special music, exquisite meals and festival worship while brightly wrapped gifts

by Rev. Dr. Greg Wismar One of the best known songs of the holiday season is the perennial favorite, “The 12 Days of Christmas,” which has the 12 drummers drumming and the seven swans a-swimming and, of course, the partridge in the pear tree, among other things. Each year estimates are made as to how

by Rev. Dr. Jerald C. Joersz Gambling is a popular thing today, and more casinos are going up all around us. Why doesn’t our church take a stand against gambling? The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has, in fact, addressed concerns about this issue. For example, at its 1998 convention, our church adopted a resolution calling attention

Did God have to become man to save us? by Rev. Dr. Scott R. Murray The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). No more sublime words have ever been written. God has become man in Christ! But why? “Why did God become man?” This question has echoed through the centuries in response