By NOEL SINGLETON The significance of winter solstice is that life and light return after the longest night – return as they always have, again and again forever. There’s more than an allegory in that. Here again, our Pagan ancestors supplied a most authentic “reason for the season,” understood by natural peoples for 30,000 years and more. Nichiren, the Buddha
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(Editor’s Note: Rob Sellers, religion professor emeritus at Hardin-Simmons University, is ending his tenure as chairman of the board of trustees of the Parliament of the World’s Religions. Following his his farewll letter.) Dear Friends of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, In ten days I will step down as Chair of the Parliament and bring to a close one
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BY DR. RICK L. HAMMER As another year draws to a close and we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, I thought it worthwhile to reflect on the Christmas and holiday season from a creation care or green perspective. During the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holiday season, it’s very easy and understandable for us to be unaware
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By DANNY MINTON There’s an empty plate at the table. There’s a strange silence that comes from that spot as the dishes are passed from person to person. She was always the last to sit down, making sure everyone was served first. When everyone was served, then she sat down. That plate was empty today for the first time. There’s
Read moreBy JIM McDONALD Advent – THE anticipated arrival of all times, the emergence of Christ on earth. We Christians celebrate Advent in many ways. We use calendars, candles, songs, music, parties and decorations such as trees (which symbolize the eternal life Jesus Christ provides), hanging greens, chrismons (ancient symbols for Christ or some part of Christ’s ministry) and other ways. Some themes
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Don’t give me a fruitcake for Christmas © Glenn Dromgoole Don’t give me a fruitcake for Christmas this fall. The last one you gave me I couldn’t eat at all. What are those green things and blue things and red? Are they still alive, or dormant, or dead? I knew I couldn’t eat it, right from the start, because of
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By LORETTA FULTON Everyone got in on the fun at the last of three Advent Music Series concerts sponsored by the Grace Museum. The last concert was held Dec. 18 in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, all decked out in Christmas splendor. Seven speakers introduced seven Christmas carols, providing a little history. And then the large crowd gathered for
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The third of three concerts in the Advent Music Series, sponsored by the Grace Museum, will begin at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church. The first concert, featuring the Key City Jazz Quartet, was held at the Grace. The second, featuring a piano, cello, and violin, was held in the office of the Abilene
Read morePhotos courtesy Aldersgate United Methodist Church Members of Aldersgate United Methodist Church invited neighbors to the church’s community garden on Dec. 9 for the lighting of a Christmas tree. The lights are set on a timer so that they will come on each night. Church members and guests enjoyed hot chocolate, candy canes, and singing of Christmas carols. The
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