Should Christians Celebrate Hanukkah?
Would the story of Christmas, of Jesus and his birth, be possible without the Maccabees? Perhaps not. Without the Maccabees where would the Jews be?
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Miriam: Enemy of the State
Why is Miriam being lauded and venerated? For her passivity. For meekly submitting to the purpose of God in her life. For receiving the overshadowing of the Spirit. For going along with Yosef to Bethlehem. For guarding the “faithful child” to adulthood. Miriam is seen as a vessel through which God works. And the best kind of vessel is a passive one. But is this really what God was looking for in a mother for his Son? A pious wallflower with no will of her own?
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No Vacancy
In this world, we have Christmas, and all that comes with it. Consumerism, competition, gluttony, selfishness and Baby, It’s Cold Outside.
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An Existential Christmas
My parents have always been committed to getting us some kind of “stuff” to open on Christmas morning. That stuff always includes books (most of which I actually read and enjoy) and some kind of wacky toy—something with a creative and/or competitive bent.
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Do We Have To?
Understanding Why We Celebrate
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Festival(s) of Lights (Part 1)
December has officially become “Holiday of Your Choice” month. There really is something for everyone: Africans, Christians, Jews, Atheists. And if your birthday or anniversary falls in December, I don’t know what to tell you.
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How Hanukkah Saved Christmas
What does Hanukkah have to do with Christmas, you might ask? Yes, they happen about the same time. Yes, both have lights and presents and parties and sugary treats. But the connection goes much deeper than that.
