Exploring the Concept of a Spiritual Parent

Last updated on: December 20, 2024 at 7:09 pm By Lee Ann B. Marino

Spiritual parents” are all the rave in some Christian circles. Used to define everything from a spiritual leader, to a mentor, to someone influential in life, “spiritual parent” is applied in different ways. What are spiritual parents, and how are they distinguished from other forms of spiritual leadership? For understanding and clarity, we will explore what a spiritual parent and personal spiritual leader (sometimes called a “covering”) are – and their differences. Spiritual leadership A spiritual leader is someone who,... Read more

Five Ways to Handle Christmas Blues

Last updated on: October 31, 2024 at 10:03 am By Lee Ann B. Marino

It’s the time of year when it can easily feel like happiness and joy are compulsory. If you’re not feeling particularly joyful at Christmastime, that can cause a number of feelings, from being left out to forcing responses that aren’t real. Having the Christmas blues can be difficult, especially with the pace that’s moving all around us. While many see this as a time of year to visit family, friends, exchange gifts, and echo long-standing traditions, that’s not everyone’s story.... Read more

Ten Fun Holiday Trivia Facts to Get the Party Started!

Last updated on: October 23, 2024 at 7:26 pm By Lee Ann B. Marino

For a time of the year that most celebrate, the average person doesn’t know much about the holiday season. There’s an entire world of interesting facts, thoughts, and trivia surrounding the holiday season. Whether preparing for a great game of holiday trivia or just being a trivia buff, here we present ten fun holiday trivia facts to help start the party this holiday season! Christmas was not always celebrated in December In a column I wrote last year, I pointed... Read more

Enjoying Ten Unusual December Holidays

Last updated on: October 31, 2024 at 10:18 am By Lee Ann B. Marino

It’s that time of year again! Most people are familiar with the Christmas holiday, even if celebrating it isn’t their thing. Christmas, however, isn’t the only thing going on at this time of the year. As I explored in my column last year, there are a number of unusual December holidays that many don’t know much about. The end of the year is about a number of different observances, including those that relate to life, death, spirituality, self-expression, and cultural... Read more

Listening to the Whispers of Hope

Last updated on: October 31, 2024 at 10:14 am By Lee Ann B. Marino

For Christians worldwide, the advancing Christmas season is met with a quiet pause to wait. The idea of waiting isn’t anyone’s favorite pastime, yet it’s something we do throughout our Christian lives. As we wait the annual celebration of Christ’s incarnation, we’re reminded of the different periods throughout salvation history where God’s people had to wait. In those moments where we desire word, direction, or insight most, we are often told to wait. And as hard of times as often... Read more

Why Friendship Matters: Celebrating Friendsgiving in Faith

Last updated on: October 31, 2024 at 10:02 am By Lee Ann B. Marino

On the last Sunday in November, my church celebrates an oft-forgotten aspect of the holiday season: our friends. Friendsgiving has become an annual Sanctuary tradition that we look forward to all year. For those unfamiliar with the concept, Friendsgiving is an opportunity for friends to get together to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. While some do choose to celebrate with their families on a different day or at a different time, Friendsgiving is strictly to celebrate friendship. It began as an... Read more

Understanding the Eastern and Western Rites: A Guide

Last updated on: October 31, 2024 at 10:11 am By Lee Ann B. Marino

When looking out over Christianity, most first look to the number of denominations within its ranks. (As a point of fact, all religions have denominations; this isn’t exclusive to Christianity). One of the most intriguing histories remains the differences between the Eastern Orthodox Churches and the Roman Catholic Church (Eastern and Western Rites). To the untrained eye, the two can appear to have much in common. They are both rooted in antiquity, both embody tradition, and both have a sense... Read more

What the World Needs Now is Kindness

Last updated on: October 4, 2024 at 4:56 pm By Lee Ann B. Marino

Kindness isn’t a common theme in modern preaching. It’s not a virtue we hear much of anywhere, at that fact. On occasion, we might see mention of kindness on a social media meme, but that’s about it. In our world that drives us to outdo everyone else, thrive in front of haters, and excel overall, kindness doesn’t quite fit. Regardless, it is something the world needs more of – so much so, it’s acknowledged on November 13 through World Kindness... Read more

Why Spiritual Times and Seasons Matter for Us

Last updated on: October 31, 2024 at 10:08 am By Lee Ann B. Marino

As we approach the Christmas season, it’s not uncommon to see pins, T-shirts, cards, and other things with the following saying on them: “Jesus is the reason for the season!” on them.They often illicit a response somewhere between sentiment and nostalgia. Used as part of the great Christmas culture wars, it’s an effort to move the Christmas season away from commercialism. By switching the focus to Christ, many believe they can override the times and seasons of Christmas manifest through... Read more

Is Universalism the Path to Salvation for All

Last updated on: October 30, 2024 at 4:55 pm By Lee Ann B. Marino

Universalism, or the idea that eventually the entire world will be saved, isn’t a new idea. It isn’t as old as many might assume (and we will address this later), but it’s often posed as a modern, softer approach to salvation. As a doctrine that tends to reappear every so many generations, I’m asked about it frequently. What is it? Why does it appeal? Is there any support for it? Most importantly, is it a doctrine we should believe? What... Read more

What is the longest book of the Bible?