“Jesus is our hope: even if we go through the valley of the shadow of death, he is by our side.” In the Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday materials for 2023, meet the Christian believer in Burkina Faso who declares this faith despite challenges.

Because of our modern understanding of genetics and heredity, it may be difficult to reconcile the idea that Jesus may not have been genetically a descendant (or “son”) of David at all.

Jesus didn’t come as a conquering hero. He didn’t arrive as a man of strength, with an army on his right and left. He was born into this world as a baby.

In Mark 6, we encounter a king who is experiencing the absence of true joy. Herod is selfish, lustful, and distressed. The result of this foolishness is the death of John.

The grants can be used for food banks or other ministries assisting low-income people or seniors, and for construction or renovation projects to repair a home or make it more livable.

The search was exciting, difficult, and sometimes a little scary. We did not know even what you looked like, or what your name was.

No matter how long I follow Jesus in this world, there is always a part of me that feels a sense of discontentment. Always.

Today is the third Sunday of Advent. We light the candle representing love. The love chapter (1 Corinthians 13) is a lofty, impossible challenge to fulfill without the enabling of the God who is love.

Nobody would call Joseph the “father of God.” Obviously. That would be blasphemy. But I still think about Joseph.

MDS plans to be in Cape Breton until mid-December; more volunteers are needed, especially roofers. People who want to volunteer can contact Clara Flores at cflores@mds.org or 1-866-261-1274.

I seasonally forget how much time a garden harvest demands from me every summer. Preserving vegetables, making jam, searching for ways to use zucchini. My garden yields enjoyment, but confiscates time.

Chickens are one option that Canadians may choose to give to people around the world this Christmas by purchasing them from MCC’s Christmas Giving guide. Canadians who buy chickens—$13 buys enough for two families—will have their gifts doubled, up to $33,000 by generous donors.