We can’t keep Jesus in the manger

Reflecting on the phenomenon of Baby Jesus thefts from outdoor nativity scenes, Jennifer Browne challenges us to embrace the liberating joy found in the gift of Jesus, who is always… Continue Reading We can’t keep Jesus in the manger

Finding common ground at Christmas

Lay members of Burnips UMC sparked an inaugural Christmas tree-lighting event in rural Allegan County, bringing a community together in the spirit of Christmas.

Living nativity celebrates 30 years

Owosso: First UMC’s Journey to Bethlehem had special significance this year as it reemerged following a hiatus to tell the good news of our Savior’s birth.

Take hold of each moment

Denny Wissinger, the Michigan Conference’s Co-Lay Leader, invites us to embrace the season of Advent as an opportunity to be present as expectant people awaiting Christ’s coming.

You matter to God

The God of Christmas, says Bishop David Bard, loves widely and wildly without regard to status and draws near to the simple and ordinary.

2024 Advent and Christmas resources

Plan for this holy season using these Michigan Conference resources, and then ensure your church’s online Christmas Eve services are listed correctly in our directory.

Christmas calls for a sober resolve

Biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann asks us to pause in our Christmas celebrations to ponder how the world can become a safer place for children and all those vulnerable to the… Continue Reading Christmas calls for a sober resolve

‘I’ll be home for Christmas’

In part two of this true story, Cheryl Bistayi reflects on her brief encounter with Vincent and wonders if he ever made it home to Honduras.

A tribute to Vincent, mi amigo

Cheryl Bistayi shares how she learned valuable faith lessons from an unlikely friendship with a sojourner during Christmas. This is the first half of a two-part story.

Christmas is crazy

The Christmas story, says retired pastor Sondra Willobee, is irrational, for it’s the story of a divine love that pushes the boundaries of what we thought possible.