The Cross and Pen

At this time of the year, it is appropriate to be thankful. Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season, a festive time complete with food, family, friends, and exchanging gifts. For Christians, it is the beginning of Advent, a time of expectation and preparation leading up to Christmas and the celebration of Christ’s birth. While believers focus on the true meaning of Christmas, holiday shoppers flock to malls and shopping centers in search of the best deals. Others sit in the comfort of their homes and shop online. The holidays wouldn’t be complete without excessive spending, elaborate gifts, and an abundance of presents under the tree. In the wealthiest nation on the planet, Christmas is the consumer’s holiday, chock full of ‘things’ to purchase. Disposable income and access to credit allow for grand indulgence and the procurement of the ‘finer’ things in life. After all, citizenship is imbedded with inherent rights and privileges. Americans are entitled to enjoy their w...

“Politics brings out the worst in people – Christians too.” Think about that for a minute. On the eve of the Primary elections, people engaged in discussions, made predictions, and flooded social media with opinion, speculation, and conjecture. Excitement and anticipation filled the air as voters headed out to cast their ballots. “I voted” stickers were donned by those who had proudly exercised their right. Selfies with the coveted sticker proudly displayed abounded on social media, along with profile banners. The spirit of patriotism was alive and well in all fifty states. Christians were not immune to the election or the revelry that accompanied it. I have friends on both sides of the aisle who are passionate about politics, their party, and the future of our nation. In addition to their fervent pursuit of politics, they proudly proclaim their Christianity. As election night played out, I was surprised by the rhetoric they spewed in celebration of their chosen candidate or party’s v...