Did you ever stop to think what made it possible for the Son of God to become a human baby?

Christmas is a time of joy, colorful lights, carols, Christmas trees and fellowship with family and friends. It’s time to look back at the year has gone and get ready for the year to come. Particularly, this is the time of the year I love the most. At home, we already set up the tree, turned the lights on, and the joy is all around. 

December 26, 2013

Dear Sam,

Last month you asked whether I’d like to prepare a response to the letter or exhortation Evangelii Gaudium of the Holy Father, Francis.  I think I should. 

 NOTE: This item expresses the views of the individual to whom the item is ascribed and does not necessarily reflect the position of the WRF as a whole.]

 It started when I looked through the Christmas card display—not a single one on Mary and Joseph and Baby Jesus.  I was surprised, but then I remembered how proud I am to be an American.  Not a Massachusetts Bay American

I discovered my dad was a hero when I read a book. I mean a real hero. To me he was just my dad, a man I loved passionately and whom I knew loved me. He was strong and wise and kind. And he could be tough when he needed to be. He was the man who taught me about God by what he said and by the way he lived.

What does it mean when a leader lies?  It’s a question no one is asking. In 1959 President Eisenhower lied about the U-2 incident. 

[NOTE: This item expresses the views of the individual to whom the item is ascribed and does not necessarily reflect the position of the WRF as a whole.]

Our world has changed.  Not very long ago almost everyone agreed that killing babies in the womb was terribly wrong, that homosexuality was not God’s way, and that sex belonged inside marriage.  They were sure some things were right and others wrong.

In the previous two blogs, I have tried to present reasons why and how we should love those with whom we disagree.  I have suggested that, on the model of how Jesus loved us,  this even includes those whom we think are sinning.

NOTE: This item expresses the views of the individual to whom the item is ascribed and does not necessarily reflect the position of the WRF as a whole.]

In my previous blog, I suggested three reasons why we should love those with whom we disagree and I started that blog with a story narrated by Stan Duncan, columnist for the Huffington Post.

Christmas is just plain hilarious.  Not the secular kind with Tiny Tim or elves playing tricks,  but the in-your-face Christian version.  The hilarity began a lot earlier, back when the angel told Abraham that his 91-year-old wife Sarah was about to have a baby—and she laughed and laughed.

 NOTE: This item expresses the views of the individual to whom the item is ascribed and does not necessarily reflect the position of the WRF as a whole.]

Law and grace - is it about me or is it about Jesus; does my Father love me already since I trust in Jesus or do I have to prove that I do love Him?  Many trees have been killed to try to answer those hard questions.  I want my answer to be pastoral. As Jay said, exegete the people.

Stan Duncan, a pastor and columnist for the Huffington Post, recently cited the following story with approval: I've been encouraged by the words of a Baptist preacher friend from Dallas who once told me that when he dies and stands before St. Peter at the pearly gates,