The Magazine
Christmas Presence

by Rev. Steven B. Borst When we were children, Christmas was about presents. The beautifully wrapped gifts under the tree—trimmed with ribbon, bows, and name tags—captivated our imagination. As Christmas Day drew near, the anticipation became almost unbearable as we dreamed about what those pretty packages might actually produce. Now that we are older, Christmas
LIFE TOGETHER: Confession or Witness?

In this month’s letter, President Harrison concludes his series of three articles on the “Witness, Mercy, Life Together” emphasis for the church and the world. To find out more about these themes, check out www.lcms.org/emphasis.

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!
The View from Here: ‘Come and See’

by Rev. Dr. Robert Rosin The fall quarter of teaching in St. Louis has come to a close. (We’ve squeezed in extra days to finish a bit early, and the students don’t mind–more time free for other papers and exams.) For me, the overseas work is about to begin–Germany, Czech Republic, and part of Asia
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?
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?
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?

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