Copyright https://www.crosswalk.com 2026, Crosswalk.com Thu, 08 Jan 2026 03:24:48 -0500 https://www.crosswalk.com/church/worship/angels-from-the-realms-of-glory-the-history-of-the-beautiful-christmas-poem-turned-hymn.html https://www.crosswalk.com/church/worship/angels-from-the-realms-of-glory-the-history-of-the-beautiful-christmas-poem-turned-hymn.html Britt Mooney https://www.crosswalk.com/author/britt-mooney/ “Angels from the Realms of Glory” is a rousing hymn many congregations sing at Christmas. When we explore this song deeper, we find a declaration of hope for those in the midst of struggle. Fri, 20 Dec 2024 10:45:00 -0500 2026-01-08T03:24:48-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/slideshows/10-beautiful-bedtime-blessings-to-pray-over-your-family-during-the-holidays.html https://www.crosswalk.com/slideshows/10-beautiful-bedtime-blessings-to-pray-over-your-family-during-the-holidays.html Meghan Trapp https://www.crosswalk.com/author/meghan-trapp/ For many reasons, the holiday season can result in restless nights. With all of its opportunities for excitement, joy, and fond memory-making, there is equal opportunity for the magnification of anxiety, confusion, and tension. As Christmas nears and we dwell upon the sleepless night that Mary and Joseph had as they welcomed their long-awaited baby boy, our Savior, it is the perfect time to begin the practice of reciting goodnight blessings. Acting as a nightly reminder of what is ultimately true and what is eternally important, they can set your heart at ease even as your current situation is trying. These bedtime blessings are great for the holiday season and beyond. Read them to yourself or your loved ones, or use them as templates for writing your own with Scriptural truths that are uniquely impactful to you.Photo credit: ©Getty/Anna_Om Fri, 13 Dec 2024 11:55:00 -0500 2026-01-08T03:24:48-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/slideshows/can-christians-celebrate-earth-day.html https://www.crosswalk.com/slideshows/can-christians-celebrate-earth-day.html Melissa Henderson https://www.crosswalk.com/author/melissa-henderson/ The first Earth Day was created on April 22, 1970. That initial celebration inspired people worldwide to recognize the importance of caring for the Earth and its inhabitants. Today, over 1 billion folks find ways to show others how to protect and love the planet. Communities of families, friends, strangers, neighbors, churches, college campuses, and other groups find ways to share about the needs and the positive outlook for the future of planet Earth.New laws dealing with the environment have been established due to the dedication and hard work of concerned people. In 1970, Earth Day helped create new environmental laws in the United States. The Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Act is one law. The Environmental Protection Agency was formed the same year.Along with laws for the environment, a Climate Literacy Campaign was formed. This enables students to be educated about global issues. Teachers and students in about 149 countries participate in programs to raise awareness of the need to protect and maintain the Earth.Learning to care for the Earth, the air, and everything God created is vital to human existence.As events are organized and held, how can we participate and share the love of God through words and actions? How can individuals spread the word about taking care of Earth? What does God say about His creations and how we are to care for them?Does your community or church talk about Earth Day? How can we encourage others to be mindful in caring for God’s creations?Further Reading: 4 Reasons Why Christians Should Support Earth DayPhoto Credit:©GettyImages/PeopleImages Wed, 10 Apr 2024 08:35:00 -0400 2026-01-08T03:24:48-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/prayers-for-earth-day.html https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/prayers-for-earth-day.html Melissa Henderson https://www.crosswalk.com/author/melissa-henderson/ Prayer is the open line of communication with God. He is always listening and hearing the prayers of His people. Prayers of thanksgiving, lament, questions, repentance, and more are spoken, written, signed, and shared worldwide. God has told us in Scripture that He will never leave or forsake His creations. We can share our innermost thoughts and emotions with the Father. Sometimes, we can be specific when we pray. Other times, the words may not come, but God knows our hearts and what is needed.As children of God, we are called to care for each other and the Earth. Through our words and actions, we can show others the love of God. Taking care of the Earth is one way to share His love and to show God honor and respect for the blessings He has provided.How can we take care of the Earth and everything God has given? Start with Earth Day prayers. Pause, reflect, and give thanksgiving to God. His creations are glorious and more than we can comprehend. Praise be to the Father! His mercies are new each day. As we pray for the Earth and everything God gives on this Earth Day, may we find a deeper relationship with God.Photo Credit:©istock/Getty Images Plus/Romolo Tavani Wed, 27 Mar 2024 18:48:00 -0400 2026-01-08T03:24:48-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/ash-wednesday-hymns-worship-songs.html https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/ash-wednesday-hymns-worship-songs.html Tammy Kennington https://www.crosswalk.com/author/tammy-kennington/ A time of reflection for many, Ash Wednesday invites Christians to consider Jesus’ sacrifice as we lament our sins, remember our own impermanence, and outwardly reflect our need for Christ the Savior. Ash Wednesday hymns and songs often enrich this special day. Several are included in this article, along with information about the poem, songwriter, or group.Whether you prefer hymns, contemporary Christian music, or a bit of both, I pray these Ash Wednesday hymns and songs focus your thoughts on Jesus now and throughout the year.Photo Credit: © Getty Images/FREDERICA ABAN Thu, 29 Jun 2023 19:00:00 -0400 2026-01-08T03:24:48-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/easter/why-did-jesus-ride-a-donkey.html https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/easter/why-did-jesus-ride-a-donkey.html Melissa Henderson https://www.crosswalk.com/author/melissa-henderson/ Growing up, you may have visited a farm and heard a donkey braying. Did it ever strike you as odd that the Bible says Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey? Why did he pick this particular animal? Mon, 31 Jan 2022 13:40:00 -0500 2026-01-08T03:24:48-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/christmas-and-advent/so-whats-for-christmas-this-year.html https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/christmas-and-advent/so-whats-for-christmas-this-year.html Candice Lucey https://www.crosswalk.com/author/candice-lucey/ I want to wrap something as much as the next merry Christmas person, but I also want to give people what they need, not what I need, and it’s more than giving five seconds of cheer. Jesus gave a lasting gift and I want to be more like him. Tue, 09 Nov 2021 15:50:00 -0500 2026-01-08T03:24:48-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/a-guide-for-spending-any-holiday-alone.html https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/a-guide-for-spending-any-holiday-alone.html Peyton Garland https://www.crosswalk.com/author/peyton-garland/ God didn’t create humans to live in isolation, but rather, in healthy communities that encourage, love, and celebrate one another. I think that’s why the holidays produce nostalgia for so many—festivities, scented candles, a change in local scenery all bring us together. We belong to Team Pumpkin Spice or Team Yes, I’m Playing Christmas Music in October. Niches naturally form and we feel a sense of belonging that’s coupled with twinkling lights and cozy sweaters. Cue the fireplace and apple cider, right? Actually, wrong—for lots of people. The holidays aren’t always jolly. Loss, heavy memories, and loneliness hurt many people this time of year, but there’s little room to mention anything sad when there are pumpkins to carve and Christmas trees to decorate, right? Wrong again. As Christians, we are called to embrace empathy, no matter the personal cost to our bustling shopping lists and parties to host. Romans 12:15 says we are called to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” Maybe I’m wrong, and by no means am I stepping on Paul’s toes, but I would’ve swapped the subjects here, presenting more of a “Weep with those who weep, rejoice with those who rejoice.” Why? Because I believe we are meant to sit in the sadness, in the ash, with others, but then, we are called to help blaze a trail that leads the hurting toward healing. We’re called to stick around long enough to rejoice on the other side of another’s pain. Whether you’re the person trudging through a hard season, or the family member or friend unsure of what to do, check out these three ways to spend the holidays, even in the face of a hard life season:Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Marc Wiegelmann Wed, 20 Oct 2021 08:30:00 -0400 2026-01-08T03:24:48-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/how-could-god-let-this-happen.html https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/how-could-god-let-this-happen.html Dr. Stanley J. Ward https://www.crosswalk.com/author/dr-stanley-j-ward/ As the world grapples with the devastating aftermath of Japan's tsunami, a profound question echoes through the hearts of believers: where is God in the midst of this tragedy? A personal faith-crisis sparked by previous disasters serves as a catalyst for reflection on the role of the Church in responding to suffering and demonstrating God's presence. Mon, 23 Dec 2019 11:15:00 -0500 2026-01-08T03:24:48-05:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/thanksgiving/the-1-ingredient-you-need-for-a-good-thanksgiving-meal-forgiveness.html https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/thanksgiving/the-1-ingredient-you-need-for-a-good-thanksgiving-meal-forgiveness.html Anne Peterson https://www.crosswalk.com/author/anne-peterson/ The table is set. Everything looks perfect, the aroma coming from the kitchen permeating the house. Ah, there’s nothing like the holidays. But something isn’t right. Thanksgiving is a time families gather together. And normally you love that, but you can’t seem to forget the hurtful words that were said the last time. They churn inside of you as you remember how you felt; how you still feel. With all the attention to details of this meal and all the preparations, you can’t forget the #1 ingredient you need for a good Thanksgiving meal: forgiveness. Without it, your heart is not free to be full of thanks. It is harboring something else. Photo Credit: Thinkstock Thu, 08 Nov 2018 14:37:10 -0500 2026-01-08T03:24:48-05:00