Since October 7, 2023, multi-faith efforts around peace in Palestine and Israel have been more challenging than ever, with efforts across religious divides being viewed as normalization or a lack of loyalty to one’s own heritage or traditions.

My recent disability experiences have helped me to see how poorly prepared most of our churches are to serve their disabled members.

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.