BY KATHY STRAUCH

Christmas comes in the dead of winter. In a season when the earth is cold, dark, and bare, songs on the radio belt out a chorus which names this season, "the most wonderful time of the year." But, is it really the most wonderful time of the year?

Chad and Daniel discuss why God commands a certain sacrifice involving an unblemished red heifer. Why does the color matter? Why do the ashes matter? What does all of this have to do with sin and death? How does the new testament connect all this to Jesus and a sacramental application of His work? Have a listen!

BY DONAVON RILEY

It's hard wired into our brain. We can't help ourselves. When we imagine God's character, discuss our beliefs, and chew on the big picture questions about life, the universe, and everything else, we tend to picture God as a radiant, white-bearded Santa Claus who lives at the edge of the Milky Way.

BY MARIAH COWARD

Recently, I've had to confront the idea of death. Not that death is merely an idea, but for me it kind of was. I've been fortunate enough to never have someone I knew unexpectedly pass away until a couple of weeks ago. When I heard the news, I was immediately shocked and heartbroken.

BY DOMINICK SANTORE

I apologize to you, all the people of the world. I apologize for my part in making Christmas necessary. I have learned that Christ is NOT the reason for the season, I am. It's true. All the sin and shame I bear for all my wrongdoings have made it a necessity for Christ to come in the form of a man, being born of a virgin.

BY MARTIN LUTHER

Since there exist in the heart these two things- a consciousness of sin and a perception of God's chastisement, the heart must ever be depressed, faint, even terrified. It must be the just and the righteous who are to rejoice in the Lord. First we must be liberated from our sins and perceive a merciful God.