December 31 is just days away, and that just means it’s time to give some last-minute encouragement to donors before 2025 ends – and with it the deadline for tax-deductible donations. Donorperfect.com explains. (Image: Creative Commons)
Christmastide: the REAL 12-Days of Christmas
For most people, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” just is a fun holiday classic, but the days the song refers to comprise the traditional festive season of Christmastide celebrated AFTER December 25. The Christian History Institute explains. (Photo: PublicDomainPictures)
The promise, the mystery, the reality: God with us!
RCL reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year A. December 21, 2025. In the midst of our culture’s commercial Christmas frenzy, Advent 4 beckons us to open ourselves to God’s comforting presence. God is with us. The Rev. Micah Krey explores. (Photo: Publicdomainpictures)
Have yourself an ‘eco-friendly’ Christmas
Amid all kinds of holiday excess our culture promotes, environmentally conscious Christians can do their best to minimize their impact, whether in buying, decorating or even cooking. Friends of the Earth UK offers some suggestions. (Photo: Creative Commons)
Manage your credit cards: 15 best practices
Especially in the holidays, when we tend to spend more, credit card debt can be a problem. But some smart strategies, you can manage credit card debt and keep it under control. Moneylion has 15 suggestions. (Photo: Creative Commons)
Make Christmas a ‘homecoming’ for many
Many “fallen away” Christians come back for Christmas services. They may enter your church doors, some for the first time. It’s a great opportunity to welcome them and make them feel at home. The United Methodist Church explores. (Photo: Creative Commons)
We sure could use a little joy this Advent
RCL reflection, Third Sunday in Advent, Year A. Dec. 14, 2025. Is it me, or does this winter seem bleaker than usual? World problems fill us with fear, frustration and anger. And we really need the dose of joy Gaudette Sunday provides. Pastor Rob Blezard explores. (Photo: Creative Commons)
Eat mindfully and healthfully this Christmas
Grandma’s pies, Mom’s cookies, Dad’s buttery mashed potatoes and Aunt Rita’s Christmas fudge -the holidays present us with special treats we look forward to all year. It’s easy to overdo it, NYC Health & Hospitals offers tips for staying on track. (Photo: Creative Commons)
Write your best year-end stewardship letter
About one third of all donations arrive in December, and 12 percent of giving happens in the last three days of the year. Now is a great time to craft a year-end letter that will motivate donors. The UMC explains. (Photo: Pexels.com)
Fun stories behind our favorite Christmas songs
Every year we love to sing about a reindeer named Rudolph, a snowman named Frosty and an assortment of other characters and holiday traditions. Many of these songs have back stories that make them even more interesting. Readers Digest reports. (Photo: Creative Commons)
