Jesus never existed. At least, that’s according to a new poll in the UK, revealing that about 40% of people believe Jesus was a mythical figure. Interestingly, one in five who aren’t Christians are open to learn more about the faith. Most people who were polled knew at least one Christian and many described them...

  Have you ever had an epiphany — an “Aha!” moment, a revelation that hit you like a ton of bricks? It’s happened to me after struggling to learn a difficult magic trick. After practicing for what seems like an eternity, my brain and hands suddenly cooperate and voila! I understand the...

  “Three Kings Day.” “The Twelfth Day of Christmas.” “Epiphany.” Whatever you call it, January 6 is it — an ancient church festival commemorating the magi’s trek to the Christ Child. The word epiphany means a manifestation or revelation. The holiday marks the appearance of Christ to the Gentiles, represented by the “wise men from the East.” In...

  It’s that time of the year again – making your New Year’s Resolutions. According to Globe Newswire, the 18- to 34-year old crowd led the way in making New Year’s resolutions in 2015.  In a survey, the millennials were twice as likely to make a resolution than the general population.  Of course, making resolutions are easy,...

  The Nativity is the story of an ordinary miracle. Look closely at the tapestry of Christmas, and you will notice it has been woven with common thread and shining strands of gold. First, consider the utter humanness of this story: JESUS WAS BORN Jesus was a human infant. He didn’t mythically spring, fully-formed, from the...

  Santa wants you to skip church this Christmas. Or, at least, a billboard Santa does in an ad campaign sponsored by the American Atheists. Running in Colorado Springs, CO, and Winston-Salem, NC, St. Nick beams, “Go ahead and skip church! Just be good for goodness sake. Happy Holidays!”  David...

  “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy down in my heart!” Remember that camp song from way back when? It perfectly summarizes the third Sunday of Advent, called “Gaudete Sunday” in Roman Catholic and Anglican circles. “Gaudete” (pronounced “Gow-DAY-tay”) is a Latin word meaning “rejoice,” marking a shift from the...

  We hear a lot about preparations during the season of Advent. Many people prepare for Christmas Day by trimming the tree, shopping, wrapping presents and throwing parties. I knew a pastor who dreaded the holidays as a kid because his mother would make him scrub the baseboards before family arrived. I’m...

  Many years ago, I remember reading a sermon with the title, “Hallowthankmas.” The preacher was making the point that the commercial world has merged Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas into one, big, fat three-month shopping come-on. The Urban Dictionary defines Hallowthankmas as a holiday “celebrating the most wonderful time of the year,...

  Have you ever found it difficult to give thanks? I have. I know others have, too. A few Novembers ago, a good friend died of a heart attack in his sleep. His nine-year old daughter discovered him in his bed. He was in his mid-50s, active and happy, a...