The Magazine
Simple

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
Gambling

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
On the Twelfth Day

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
Shedding Some Light

Beware of DadI was greeting students at the door this morning, and one mom said she was upset about her child’s homework. Her daughter had a report on Mexico due, and the two of them made some guacamole to share with her class. The child woke up the next morning to discover Dad and his
A Stress-free Christmas

by Rev. Dr. Andrew Steinmann Perhaps the greatest irony of December is that as we celebrate the coming of the Savior to free us from sin and death, Christmas has become one of the most stressful times of the year. Many merchants feel pressure to make sales, knowing that their profit for the year is
10 Minutes With … Rev. Jeff Williams (web exclusive story)

by Adriane Dorr Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Williams was raised in the western suburbs of Chicago.  While in third grade, he decided he wanted to become a pastor, and he did, graduating in 1992 from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. Rev. Williams served congregations in Kansas, Wisconsin and Colorado and then on the faculty of
Have Yourself an Awe-full Little Christmas

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
Be Near Me, Lord Jesus

Death isnt pretty, and it isnt easy. But in the midst of my grandmothers death, God gave me one of the greatest gifts ever: the comfort of eternal life in Christ.
To the Reader

by Adriane Dorr Christmas is not about presents, trees, reindeer and eggnog. It is not about travel plans, fruitcake and ugly sweaters. It is about Christ. It is about God becoming man in the child Jesus. But Christmas does not leave Jesus in the manger. Indeed, Christmas would have no meaning if Jesus never grew
The Cradled Christ

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

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