If this is the paradox we’re living, with the latte cup as both indulgence and sacrament, and the aisle display as both hollow and holy, then the question is not how to escape it, but how to live with intention inside of it.

Gratitude opens the door to one of the greatest gifts of all time – community. Alone, resistance is impossible; together, united in gratitude, I think we can change the world.

Many church people bemoan the commercialization of Christmas. Our response is understandable. However, I want to suggest two different approaches this season.

I bear witness that the hardship facing Christians in Bethlehem is a microcosm of the suffering and plight of all Palestinians living in the Holy Land. The world needs to understand the truth about the systematic oppression facing this community — and see past the bad-faith efforts to deny and conceal it.

Each Friday in The Christian Citizen, we publish a Religion News Roundup with summaries of religion news stories and links for those who want to read more.