by Rebekah Simon-Peter | Dec 21, 2021
Ah, Christmas. The most wonderful time of year… Until it’s not. The rush to get gifts and mail them, to make travel plans, to cook, and clean, and decorate – it can be a very stressful time. And that’s not even mentioning the stress that being with people can...
by Rebekah Simon-Peter | Dec 22, 2020
Astrologers have an unusual place in the Bible. Forbidden figures in the Old and New Testaments, these pagan priests or Magi occupy a place of honor in the bible. “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to...
by Rebekah Simon-Peter | Dec 15, 2020
There’s nothing quite as special as Christmas Eve services. A darkened sanctuary lit with candles and the singing of Silent Night. The sacred anticipation of “Lessons and Carols.” The joy of a live nativity. The fun of a Christmas pageant. Worship centers crowded with...
by Rebekah Simon-Peter | Dec 8, 2020
Almost overnight, enchantment stole through my neighborhood and city. Here and there, dotting homes and yards, Christmas lights appeared. A mismatched string of blue and white draped over the fence across the street. A twinkling porch two doors down. A riot of color...
by Rebekah Simon-Peter | Dec 31, 2019
When a machete-bearing assailant broke into a private Hasidic home to “get” the Jews who were celebrating Chanukah there, his move was both horrific and ironic. That the safety and merriment of a home could be violated by such hate is unthinkable. That it happened at...
by Rebekah Simon-Peter | Dec 17, 2019
If you are a last-minute leader, you’re not alone. You’re not the only one putting finishing touches on a worship service, sermon, play, piece of music, bulletin or outreach effort. In fact, you can be forgiven for thinking your timing is right in line with the...
