The Prophet Isaiah had strong views about political issues of his day, and his words, which Catholics and others who use the Common Lectionary read over the four Sundays of Advent, are impossible to hear without applying them to politics today.
The Prophet Isaiah had strong views about political issues of his day, and his words, which Catholics and others who use the Common Lectionary read over the four Sundays of Advent, are impossible to hear without applying them to politics today.
I reflected earlier this month on stillness during this Advent season, which often is a season full of parties, events, concerts and consumerism that induces frenzied activity. In this final week of Advent, I return to the question: What does it mean to stop and rest and truly be in Christ’s presence?
At first glance, the Nativity scene outside Lake Street Church in Evanston, Illinois, has all the traditional hallmarks: Figures resembling Mary and Joseph stand near a baby Jesus, who rests in a manger.
But this year, the details are decidedly different. For starters, Mary and Joseph are wearing gas masks. Jesus, who typically is depicted lying in hay, is instead nestled in a reflective blanket often used by immigrants in detention, with his hands bound with zip ties. And behind the family stands three Roman centurions wearing vests with a very modern label: ICE, or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Rise up, O Judge, come save at last,
Unbind the chained, uplift the pressed.
The October 2025 issue of Anabaptist World includes several mini reviews of recent books on faith and introspection.
“Longest Night for Gaza” vigils in a dozen locations across the United States and Canada grieved Dec. 21-22 for the 14-month genocide in Gaza.
