The Magazine
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
God Bless Us, Every One!

The spirit of Christmas, Tiny Tim, bah humbugs . . . what does all this mean for a right understanding of Christmas? Thoughts on “A Christmas Carol.”
Tantrums and Gifts

When we don’t get what we want, turning on other people, ourselves, and God is nothing new, no matter what age. We often think of God as a spiritual Santa Claus and thus limit Him and His abundant gifts. So where does that leave us?
More than the bibliography

Dr. Rast’s article on “What Makes America American?” (October) . . . barely touched on the Lutherans’ contribution to American life so that the reader is left with the idea that Lutherans were ignored in this special, but very little attention was given to even a brief overview of the Lutherans’ contributions so that the
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
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
Lutheran Witness: November 2010

Allow this penitential season to add to the approach of Christmas. Wait with us in eager anticipation of the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Savior.

Thinking through Options

by Theresa Shaltanis One of my sisters is planning a family reunion for Thanksgiving, and it’s turning out to be a real problem. She has chosen to invite our brother’s ex-wife but not our brother! My sister is a faithful Christian woman, but her decision is making it difficult for all of us, and we
We believe

After reading the August issue, which was dedicated to the Synod’s convention, I was looking forward to seeing similar treatment for the National Youth Gathering in the September issue. Imagine my disappointment when I opened the magazine to see a two-page article instead. The article didn’t come close to capturing what the NYG is about.

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