by James Melson | Dec 28, 2023 | 2023, Weekly Reflection
During this Christmas season, the nativity scene is one of the most beloved images in many churches and homes. But this year, there is a nativity scene in the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem that shocked the world. It includes the traditional...
by James Melson | Dec 20, 2023 | 2023, Weekly Reflection
Christmas Eve is one of the most anticipated days of the year. Children await the coming of Santa. It is a time for gathering with family and friends from near and far. Worship services are held throughout the day to remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus the...
by James Melson | Dec 14, 2023 | 2023, Weekly Reflection
Norman Lear died on December 5 at the age of 101. He was a prolific writer and producer who was responsible for some of the most memorable shows in American television history. Probably Lear’s most famous creation was the groundbreaking show All in the Family. He used...
by James Melson | Dec 7, 2023 | 2023, Weekly Reflection
At this time of year, our thoughts turn to the Christmas season as experienced by children. Many of us have our own cherished childhood memories of decorations, Christmas trees, lights, and special times with family and friends in anticipation of the wonder of...
by James Melson | Nov 30, 2023 | 2023, Weekly Reflection
Twenty five years ago this week, an article in the Weekly Standard by Princeton Political Science Professor John Dilulio advanced the theory of a coming wave of juvenile “super predators” who would commit violent crimes without a sense of conscience or remorse. As a...
by James Melson | Nov 21, 2023 | 2023, Weekly Reflection
This week marks the 60th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963 in Dallas, TX. For people of my generation, there is a familiar question, “Where were you when you heard that President Kennedy had been shot?” I can still...
by James Melson | Nov 16, 2023 | 2023, Weekly Reflection
Our nation recently celebrated Veteran’s Day that honors those who served in various branches of the military. Especially during times of war, we recognize that military service requires the willingness to face harm and even death. A popular phrase used during armed...
by James Melson | Nov 9, 2023 | 2023, Weekly Reflection
This week marked one month since the Hamas terrorist attacks in which around 1400 Israelis were killed and over 200 others were taken hostage. In retaliation, Israeli air strikes have killed around 10,000 Palestinians and a ground offensive in Gaza is in progress. The...
by James Melson | Nov 3, 2023 | 2023, Weekly Reflection
Even as the horrific violence escalates in the Israel-Hamas war, voices around the world are calling for Ceasefire. As the violence and death continues to escalate in the Israel-Hamas war, the word “Ceasefire” is being raised by voices around the world. The cycle of...
by James Melson | Oct 26, 2023 | 2023, Weekly Reflection
Ever since the horrific terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel on October 7, the stories of violence and death have been overwhelming. The numbers continue to grow of the thousands of people who died in the terrorist attacks and the nearly non-stop bombings of...