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?
The Magazine
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 12 Days of Christmas: Unwrapping the Gifts
Contrary to what the contemporary world tells you, Christmas isn’t over on Christmas Day…it’s just getting started! The Twelve Days of Christmas have a deep meaning.
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
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.
How to Escape the Christmas Madness
Why celebrate Advent when you’re already surrounded by Christmas trees, Christmas carols, and Christmas presents? Rev. Hans Fiene reminds you of what Advent means.
Allowing the opposite
Dr. Joersz’s response to the question about the pastor’s self-communion is slightly misleading. He claims that “The Altar Book . . . allows a pastor’s self-communion.” That is not completely false, but it is terribly inaccurate. The Altar Book allows the opposite thing. It allows a layman to distribute the body and blood of Christ
A Different Kind of Hope
“Because God has promised it, I will be blessed with a miracle, whether it be the healing of my body or Christ’s perfect healing.”
In support of pastors
Dr. Joersz had an opportunity to offer support to a pastor who was just doing what the LSB Altar Book directed him to do. He was being faithful. Instead, the Q & A gave the members of his congregation support for criticizing their pastor. Thomas M. Winger, Acting President Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary St. Catharines,