Holidays & Special Coverage

“Angels from the Realms of Glory” is a rousing hymn many congregations sing at Christmas. When we explore this song deeper, we find a declaration of hope for those in the midst of struggle.

These bedtime blessings are great for the holiday season and beyond. Read them to yourself or your loved ones, or use them as templates for writing your own with Scriptural truths that are uniquely impactful to you.

The first Earth Day was created on April 22, 1970. That initial celebration inspired people worldwide to recognize the importance of caring for the Earth and its inhabitants. Today, over 1 billion folks find ways to show others how to protect and love the planet. Communities of families, friends, strangers, neighbors, churches, college campuses, and other groups find ways to share about the needs and the positive outlook for the future of planet Earth.New laws dealing with the environment have been established due to the dedication and hard work of concerned people. In 1970, Earth Day helped create new environmental laws in the United States. The Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Act is one law. The Environmental Protection Agency was formed the same year.Along with laws for the environment, a Climate Literacy Campaign was formed. This enables students to be educated about global issues. Teachers and students in about 149 countries participate in programs to raise awareness of the need to protect and maintain the Earth.Learning to care for the Earth, the air, and everything God created is vital to human existence.As events are organized and held, how can we participate and share the love of God through words and actions? How can individuals spread the word about taking care of Earth? What does God say about His creations and how we are to care for them?Does your community or church talk about Earth Day? How can we encourage others to be mindful in caring for God’s creations?Further Reading: 4 Reasons Why Christians Should Support Earth DayPhoto Credit:©GettyImages/PeopleImages

Prayer is the open line of communication with God. He is always listening and hearing the prayers of His people. Prayers of thanksgiving, lament, questions, repentance, and more are spoken, written, signed, and shared worldwide. God has told us in Scripture that He will never leave or forsake His creations. We can share our innermost thoughts and emotions with the Father. Sometimes, we can be specific when we pray. Other times, the words may not come, but God knows our hearts and what is needed.As children of God, we are called to care for each other and the Earth. Through our words and actions, we can show others the love of God. Taking care of the Earth is one way to share His love and to show God honor and respect for the blessings He has provided.How can we take care of the Earth and everything God has given? Start with Earth Day prayers. Pause, reflect, and give thanksgiving to God. His creations are glorious and more than we can comprehend. Praise be to the Father! His mercies are new each day. As we pray for the Earth and everything God gives on this Earth Day, may we find a deeper relationship with God.Photo Credit:©istock/Getty Images Plus/Romolo Tavani

Whether you prefer hymns, contemporary Christian music, or a bit of both, I pray these Ash Wednesday hymns and songs focus your thoughts on Jesus now and throughout the year.

Growing up, you may have visited a farm and heard a donkey braying. Did it ever strike you as odd that the Bible says Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey? Why did he pick this particular animal?

I want to wrap something as much as the next merry Christmas person, but I also want to give people what they need, not what I need, and it’s more than giving five seconds of cheer. Jesus gave a lasting gift and I want to be more like him.

God didn’t create humans to live in isolation, but rather, in healthy communities that encourage, love, and celebrate one another. Whether you’re the person trudging through a hard season, or the family member or friend unsure of what to do, here are three ways to spend the holidays, even in the face of a hard life season:

The faith-crisis questions broached by the Japan tragedy cause me to remember my own faith-crisis after the Indonesian Tsunami of 2004.

The table is set. Everything looks perfect, the aroma coming from the kitchen permeating the house. Ah, there’s nothing like the holidays. But something isn’t right. Thanksgiving is a time families gather together. And normally you love that, but you can’t seem to forget the hurtful words that were said the last time. They churn inside of you as you remember how you felt; how you still feel.