So many people unknown / Yet no one seems alone.

Charles Ringma invites us to enter the hermitage of the heart, mind and soul, and leads us towards deep theological and critical thinking, a life of ministry among the poor and justice-seeking, and a perceptiveness of what is actually going on in our world.

The way we name things matters. How many creatures no longer register on our consciousness because we have no name for them or else have given them a name with negative connotations?

Jesus is not just the Good Shepherd, but the Beautiful Shepherd that lays down his life for us. This beauty stuns, captivates and leaves us in ecstasy - an ecstacy that draws us out of ourselves to pierce through and illuminate our culture’s many lovely oblivions.

From practical multiculturalism in parish ministry to groundbreaking policymaking at the state and Federal levels, Jim Houston’s lifelong work brought together 'secular social policy and sacred ministry’, charting a way forward for both nation and church.

I peer into his eyes / let him not just slip by / look beneath the mask / listen for the true reply

We ache for epiphanies today. Something that will reveal to us what we all deep down suspect - that there is more. This doesn’t mean the removal of darkness, pain and reality before us, but a glimpse of what one day could be.

Mala’s autobiography is a fascinating insight into a young girl’s determination, ingenuity and compassion for others during severe trials. The story gives us reason to consider afresh the mercy and graciousness of our God.

It’s easy to forget that Baby Jesus was small, weak, vulnerable and entirely dependent on his mother. If we miss this in the rush of Christmas, and in our evangelical zeal to get quickly to the Cross and Resurrection, we miss one of the most amazing miracles and wonders of the Christian faith: the incarnation.

Upon a hill, a stable stood, Filled with animals, hay, a manger, and wood.