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10+ min ago (585+ words) The very first live nativity scene, it is said, was created by St. Francis of Assisi, who staged a reenactment of the birth of Jesus Christ in 1223, using a doll as the newborn Jesus and a few live animals to gather around townspeople playing Mary and Joseph. Today, there's a chapel at that site in Italy, with a painting that depicts the familiar scene, which is ubiquitous this time of year, showing up not only at churches and homes, but in nativity merch, to include chocolate, pajamas and even a "Peanuts" themed nativity set with the bird Woodstock in the manger. It's unclear if Charles Schulz would appreciate Woodstock in the manger, since the "Peanuts" creator was a devoted Christian who famously preached "the true meaning of Christmas" in the Charlie Brown Christmas special. "I preach in these cartoons, and…...

16+ min ago (235+ words) The Church commemorates Saint Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, and Martyr Athenodorus. Saint Ambrose was a senator and a distinguished Roman citizen. He was born in D 340. He studied rhetoric, philosophy, and law. He studied theology with Athanasius the Great when the Alexandrian hierarch was exiled to Trevira, France, because of his firm Orthodox belief. In Mediolanum (modern-day Milan) Saint Ambrose became an excellent and fair judge. When he became acquainted with the Holy Gospel and was baptized a Christian, his spiritual development and desire to serve God and people with humility and devotion helped him to join the sacred clergy and even reach the top ministry of the diocese of Milan. Saint Ambrose was an excellent shepherd of the faithful and fought vigorously against the heresies of Arius, Sabellius, and Eunomius. When Emperor Theodosius wanted to enter the Church of…...

2+ hour, 52+ min ago (160+ words) I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down... "I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have…...

3+ hour, 44+ min ago (159+ words) At Utah Valley Institute devotional, Elder Ronald A. Rasband Rasband counsels to "form loving friendships, and find wise and faithful mentors." At packed Utah Valley Institute devotional, Elder Rasband counsels to "form loving friendships, find wise and faithful mentors" Apostle also says students "peacefully reflected the light and love that Jesus Christ has" following Sept. 10 UVU shooting OREM, Utah " Using examples from the scriptures and early Church history as well as personal experiences, Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles extolled the virtues and impacts of good friends and mentors as he spoke to a standing-room-only devotional Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Utah Valley Institute in Orem, Utah. "I counsel all of you tonight: form loving friendships, and find wise and faithful mentors," he invited. Elder Rasband singled out Jesus Christ as "our most cherished friend," saying "In friendship,…...

3+ hour, 47+ min ago (628+ words) LOOK: Peace Window by Marc Chagall Chagall's design was executed by master glassmakers Brigitte Simon and Charles Marq of Atelier Simon-Marq. His 1964 Peace Window in New York City'not to be confused with his similar but much larger Peace Window of 1974 in the Chapel of the Cordeliers in Sarrebourg, France'is full of biblical allusions. My eyes are drawn first to the red and purple bouquet in the center, under which stands an amorous couple. Who are they? What do they represent? I can think of several possibilities: 2. The Annunciation'the angel Gabriel coming to Mary to announce that she had been chosen to birth and mother God's Son. The male head is bodiless, emerging from the crimson bloom (suggesting, perhaps, a supernatural entity), and there's a yellow glow at the woman's breast, perhaps signifying the conception of Christ. What's more, the woman…...

3+ hour, 56+ min ago (517+ words) An artificial intelligence-powered tool created this summary based on the source article. The summary has undergone review and verification by an editor. A majority of pastors are now using artificial intelligence to prepare their sermons, with ChatGPT and Grammarly reported as the top two AI tools, new survey data shows." "ChatGPT is the most visible generative AI tool that can engage in human-like conversations and assist with a wide range of tasks, from answering questions to generating content," researchers wrote in "The 2025 State of AI in the Church Survey Report" prepared by AiForChurchLeaders.com and Exponential AI NEXT." "As the most popular AI tool among church leaders (26%), ChatGPT is being used for applications such as sermon preparation, research, and crafting church communications. Its versatility and ease of use make it a powerful asset for streamlining ministry work and sparking creative…...

3+ hour, 58+ min ago (483+ words) In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. " Luke 2:13 Please check back daily during the month of December as through Christmas we'll have an entry from The Heart of Christmas: A Devotional for the Season. On the Dateline NBC's "The Birth of Jesus" episode, Dr. John Dominic Crossan, co-founder of the wildly popular Jesus Seminar, called into question the historical veracity of Holy Scripture. Said Crossan: "Luke tells us the story that at the time Jesus was born Augustus had decreed a census of the whole earth. Now, every scholar will tell you there was no such census ever." On Day 7 of your historic journey to…...

4+ hour, 19+ min ago (511+ words) I have a lot of unresolved anger in me. A lot of thoughts of revenge on people who have hurt me. I have also struggled with addiction to pornography for many years. I have used it as a stress relief. I want these sins gone from my life forever. Please pray for me. Thank you. Starting today August 7th, 2024, in order to post in the Married Couples, Courting Couples, or Singles forums, you will not be allowed to post if you have your Marital status designated as private. Announcements will be made in the respective forums as well but please note that if yours is currently listed as Private, you will need to submit a ticket in the Support Area to have yours changed. - /account/dismiss-notice?notice_id=118 CF has always been a site that welcomes people from different backgrounds and beliefs to…...

4+ hour, 40+ min ago (378+ words) December 7, 2025 by David and Robin Watters Reading: Isaiah 36; Psalm 97 Key Verse: Psalm 97:9 " "For you, LORD, are supreme over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods." Dear Brothers and Sisters, When we face challenging circumstances, our instinct is often to look back for something to blame: poor decisions, wrong choices, failed responses, etc. While we must learn from the past, Scripture calls us to embrace today as from the hand of God. What would it be like if we viewed our present circumstances through that lens? In Isaiah 36, King Sennacherib mocked Hezekiah's trust in God: "Don't let Hezekiah deceive you" No god or nation has been able to overcome me" (Isaiah 36:18-20). His words echo the lies we often tell ourselves: "This is hopeless. This isn't fair. We'll never be able to overcome this." But Psalm 97 declares the truth:…...

4+ hour, 59+ min ago (111+ words) Pastor Kamran Michael was brutally killed yesterday in Pakistan in front of his daughter. The attacker shot him multiple times to make sure he died, simply to stop him from proclaiming the Good News of Jesus. I just spoke with his mother-in-law on the phone to offer condolences, and it was... Pastor Kamran Michael was brutally killed yesterday in Pakistan in front of his daughter. The attacker shot him multiple times to make sure he died, simply to stop him from proclaiming the Good News of Jesus. I just spoke with his mother-in-law on the phone to offer condolences, and it was heartbreaking to hear more details....