What Christmas is about can be said in two words.Love triumphs.The story of Jesus, whose birth we celebrate, is about that very simple message.Loving is better than hating.Hate destroys. Love builds.Hate divides. Love unites.Hate produces enemies out of friends. Love produces friends out of enemies.Hate arouses suspicion. Love offers forgiveness.Jesus came to say, “There is a better way to live.
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By Loretta Fulton Bishop Michael Sis of the Diocese of San Angelo will preside over a Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Midland at 7 a.m. Dec. 12, which is the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Later that day, he will be at St. Vincent Pallotti Church in Abilene for the diaconal ordination of Humberto Diaz
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By Loretta Fulton December is filled with religious observances, including Christmas, the best known locally. Although Abilene has a small representation of religions other than Christianity, some of the following observances are celebrated in private homes. Some holy days are fixed, like Christmas always falls on Dec. 25. Other religions are lunar based, meaning their observances fall on different dates
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By Carlo Sosa-Ortiz I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. – Ephesians 4:1-3 Faith and doubt, grace
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By Loretta FultonThe Abilene Zoo is adding Santa’s reindeer to its population–but just for a short time! Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the reindeer will be at the zoo Dec. 12-23, perfect timing for a unique Christmas experience.Each day, from 4 to 9 p.m., the zoo will become a winter wonderland, with over 1 million lights and interactive experiences. Among the
Read moreHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Since when do I feel the freedom to “lump” more kinfolks into the bin already spilling over with “we-should-have-known-better” contents? Regrettably, we must make room for one more–my wife’s cousin. Paula Ward–wedded to Jason Ward of Christchurch, New Zealand, 13 years ago–is a native Texan. The couple resides in his homeland, almost halfway around
Read moreSeveral churches will be hosting “Blue Christmas” or “Quiet Night” services for people who are grieving this holiday season. Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, 701 S. Pioneer Drive, will host a Blue Christmas service at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17. The Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, 602 Meander St., will have a Quiet Night Holy Eucharist service at 5:30 p.m.
Read moreAir Force veteran and former combat medic Bonnie Ressler has spent her life protecting the vulnerable. This December, she graduates from Hardin-Simmons University’s Physician Assistant program and steps into a neonatal fellowship shaped by faith, resilience, and service. Click here to read HSU news release. Bonnie Ressler
Read moreACU to debut intercollegiate golf tournament in 2026Officials from Abilene Christian University Athletics, Golf Channel and HNS Sports Group announced a new collegiate golf tournament, the Abilene Christian Intercollegiate. The competition will be held annually at Halbert National in Granbury. The inaugural event will take place October 19-21, 2026. Click here to read ACU news release. HPU nursing student awarded
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Spirit Of Abilene 