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...
by Rebekah Simon-Peter | Dec 23, 2018
This Christmas, my husband I will celebrate the holiday surrounded by a variety of family and friends. Most of these folks have an unusual characteristic in common: they are recovering addicts and alcoholics. Their length of sobriety ranges from 10 days to 30 years....
