I have been associated with Tent of Nations and the Nassar family for many years. In fact, my law office in Jerusalem has been and continues to represent them in their ongoing legal battles to save their land from the Israeli government and the Jewish settlers who have been trying for years to steal it from them. I myself have participated in activities on their land. One time, I even found myself alongside Rev. Alex Awad and a Lutheran German minister alone with Daoud in confronting the settlers who were bulldozing into their land.

At the core of international law is the concept of universalism. Essentially, the same rules, values, and expectations apply to everyone, friend and foe alike. It is also the principle behind the Golden Rule and the universal appeals of Christianity as well as Islam. It has its foundations in the unity of the Godhead, the father of us all.

Community Renewal Society responds to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s call to put our faith in action by hosting an annual assembly on the holiday commemorating his life and work. Hear about the history of and need for reparations, and commit to supporting CRS' work in 2022.

The good news of Advent is the hope, love, joy and peace of the season. It is all wrapped up in the greatest gift of all times, the gift of Jesus. Advent reminds me that even through my trials and tribulations, Jesus is still the center of my joy.

See, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.

Part of what makes Christmas so special is that it’s different from other days. Our celebrations are marked by surprise. Our children spend Advent wondering what’s underneath that wrapping paper. Christmas morning brings the joy of discovery. Who knows what the gifts will be?

The angel Gabriel told Mary that she would have a son and that she was to name him Emmanuel. His birth would be an Immaculate Conception. The baby would be the son of the most high God and become the spirit of a faith that has transcended countless generations.

This year has been challenging. We were all anxious for 2021 after the sobering and sinister effects of 2020 and the global pandemic that continues to plague us. Instead, we began 2021 with one of the most outrageous attacks ever leveled against our government. The January 6th assault on Congress was repulsive to watch.

My mother was a schoolteacher, an orator, and a much sought-after speaker; she was also deeply spiritual, a devout Missionary Baptist. One of the speeches she was often asked to deliver was entitled: “Cast Thy Bread Upon the Waters.”

There is nothing better than a great tasting golden delicious apple, a juicy orange, or a slice of sweet watermelon! Just seeing fruit that looks good can be mouthwatering. Before purchasing fruit, however, most of us will first take a close look at it to ensure that it is not rotten or spoiled.

In this scripture, Mary, the mother of Jesus, has just received word from the angel Gabriel about her being blessed with the glory of birthing the “Son of the Most High.” She hurries to tell Elizabeth, and as she calls to her, the baby within Elizabeth’s womb starts to leap with joy and recognition.

When we look at all to the devastating things that are going on in the world today, we must wonder are they signs from God. Is God trying to tell us something? Is the day of Jesus return coming soon? Should we be fearful?

In our text for the day, the apostle Paul can hardly contain his joy — and perhaps even surprise — at the reception of the Thessalonian believers. Paul seeks to praise the Thessalonians for their faith and to encourage them to remain true to the mission of Christ even in the face of hardship.