News & Stories

Dear Outlook readers,

Today, I pray that you are able to see the Spirit at work all around you — in community, in creation, in the work of the church. Know that God goes with you into all the unknowns of this time and Christ's grace covers you.

In Christ,

Rose Schrott Taylor
Outlook digital content editor

“Mr. Wiesel, can there be any meaning in suffering?” by Scott Dalgarno

A prayer for light by Daniel Heath

The manger and the inn: A Middle Eastern view of the birth story of Jesus by Ken Bailey

With race in mind, Christians reconsider language of dark and light at Advent by RNS

In case you missed it...

Making my kids go to church on Christmas morning
Pastor/parents are faced with a conundrum this year: do they force (or strongly encourage) their children to go to Sunday worship on Christmas? Andrew Taylor Troutman has decided yes, and here’s why. — Andrew Taylor Troutman

Books briefly noted: For families
Three recent books for families to consider. — Amy Pagliarella

An Advent with grit
This Advent, Karie Charlton turns to biblical women with stories that are brutal and beautiful, and messy and good.

What is Advent?
When did Advent start? Why decorate with purple? When did the Advent wreath become popular? Katy Shevel answers all these questions and more.

Lilly Endowment Grant at Union Presbyterian Seminary to provide a bridge for early career preachers
The $1 million grant will fill the unique gap between formal theological education and the early years of preaching ministry. — Union Presbyterian Seminary

Clay feet
Roger Gench reflects on the politics of power found in Daniel 2, the problematic theology of the American dream and the necessity of diversity.

In time for Christmas, Presbyterians help forgive $13.3 million in medical debt across the Midwest
Churches in the Synod of Mid-America share their stories of caring for their low-income neighbors. — PNS

Download the FREE Blue Christmas Service: For worship planners or individual devotions, this six-page downloadable guide has prayers, readings and hymns for reflection on the sadness that sometimes also accompanies the joy of the holidays. Request the resource here.

Presbyterian Outlook is hiring a group of remote, paid interns for summer 2023. Learn more.