December (Web-only) 2023

Ukraine’s Top 10 Bible Verses of 2023
Ukraine’s Top 10 Bible Verses of 2023
Leaders reflect on what YouVersion list of the most-shared Scriptures in their nation includes—and misses.
‘Humanity Laid Bare’: A ‘Freud’s Last Session’ Q&A
‘Humanity Laid Bare’: A ‘Freud’s Last Session’ Q&A
Actor Matthew Goode and director Matthew Brown talk about adapting a stage play, understanding C.S. Lewis, and disagreeing well.
They Changed Their Minds about Slavery and Left a Bible Record
They Changed Their Minds about Slavery and Left a Bible Record
Two businessmen’s unusual conversion in 1700s South Carolina led them to liberate the people they put in bondage.
Meeting People Where They’re Migrating
Meeting People Where They’re Migrating
Responses to our November issue.
Sharia Law Makes a Solid Case for Christ
Sharia Law Makes a Solid Case for Christ
In new book, Jordanian pastor and academic says that if Muslims treat evidence for the Bible and Quran consistently, the gospel eyewitnesses authenticate Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.
We Asked a Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain, and Bahá’í Leader to Pick Their Favorite Bible Verses
We Asked a Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain, and Bahá’í Leader to Pick Their Favorite Bible Verses
Indian religious leaders on what they admire about Christianity’s scriptures.
Four Views on What American Christians Think About the Israel-Hamas War
Four Views on What American Christians Think About the Israel-Hamas War
Recent survey finds strong support for sometimes conflicting agendas, but also many believers who are still “not sure” what to advocate for.
Pull Together Now
Pull Together Now
George Clooney’s “The Boys in the Boat” is a nostalgic true story for a divided America.
Surprised by Freud
Surprised by Freud
A new movie, “Freud’s Last Session,” imagines a dialogue—and a friendship—between the famed psychologist and C.S. Lewis.
Waiting for the Light in Hitler’s Prison
Waiting for the Light in Hitler’s Prison
A reminder of God’s faithfulness amid great darkness from Hanns Lilje, a Christian leader imprisoned in Nazi Germany.
My Top 5 Books for Christians on Hinduism
My Top 5 Books for Christians on Hinduism
Recommendations for gaining a more nuanced perspective of the faith of 1.2 billion.
Appreciating the Art of Divine Surprise
Appreciating the Art of Divine Surprise
Scripture is full of stories inspiring awe. Are we allowing ourselves to be astonished?
Friends Are Your Family of Faith—and Your Spiritual Comrades-in-Arms
Friends Are Your Family of Faith—and Your Spiritual Comrades-in-Arms
Rebecca McLaughlin takes the topic of friendship beyond warm and fuzzy feelings.
Put ‘Mas’ Back in ‘Christmas’
Put ‘Mas’ Back in ‘Christmas’
The holidays are overwhelming. As a Christian and an introvert, I take refuge in church.
His Law Is Love and His Gospel Is Peace
His Law Is Love and His Gospel Is Peace
A Palestinian Israeli Christian reflects on Christmas, justice, and war in Gaza.
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Christianity Today in 2023: Our Top News, Reviews, Podcasts, and More
Christianity Today in 2023: Our Top News, Reviews, Podcasts, and More
A year in review of our most read articles and favorite stories.
My Top 5 Books for Christians on Sikhism
My Top 5 Books for Christians on Sikhism
Must-reads for those eager to learn the origins, development, and tensions within a faith common to many Punjabis.
Christmas Doesn’t Need Saving
Christmas Doesn’t Need Saving
Holiday specials remind us of a salvation we already have.
Filthy Night, Fetid Night
Filthy Night, Fetid Night
I picture a clean, sweet Nativity scene. But Jesus chose to come to a dirty, broken world.
‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ Evokes the Sacred Worth of Underdogs
‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ Evokes the Sacred Worth of Underdogs
Charles Schulz’s improbable holiday special echoed his own acquaintance with lowliness.
Can We Consume Character? How to Learn Justice by Feasting
Can We Consume Character? How to Learn Justice by Feasting
Deuteronomy offers a surprising method for becoming just disciples.
This Christmas, Let’s ‘Lie Flat’ and Rest
This Christmas, Let’s ‘Lie Flat’ and Rest
Chinese churches need to be aware of the spiritual cost of busyness for celebrating Jesus’ birthday.
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How Nine Lessons and Carols Brought a Century of Christmas Comfort
How Nine Lessons and Carols Brought a Century of Christmas Comfort
Written in the wake of world war, the poignant service stills us during a season of extravagance.
How Asian Artists Picture Jesus’ Birth From 1240 to Today
How Asian Artists Picture Jesus’ Birth From 1240 to Today
Through Nativity art, the Word takes on flesh across diverse Eastern cultures.
The Best Books for Understanding Islam and Connecting with Muslim Neighbors
The Best Books for Understanding Islam and Connecting with Muslim Neighbors
Five regional scholars offer their recommendations for Christians.
‘Wonka’ Is Sweet on Capitalism
‘Wonka’ Is Sweet on Capitalism
Timothée Chalamet’s update to Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka gives a cheery lesson in hard work, kindness, and the benefits of the free market.
Mary Told Us What She Knew—In Song
Mary Told Us What She Knew—In Song
Christians have to look beyond the typical Christmas carol lineup for music that captures the deeper themes of the Magnificat.
One Year, Seven Transformations, and the Emergence of a ‘WEIRDER’ World
One Year, Seven Transformations, and the Emergence of a ‘WEIRDER’ World
American independence was one of many revolutions sparked in 1776. How can we live faithfully in the new order they created?
What a Satanic Statue Says About American Religion
What a Satanic Statue Says About American Religion
Move over, Santa. This year’s Christmas controversy is about the devil.
Have Yourself a (Less) Scary Little Christmas
Have Yourself a (Less) Scary Little Christmas
The looming new year can be anxiety-inducing—but God has all the mercy, grace, and rest we need.
Escaping High-Control Religious Groups
Escaping High-Control Religious Groups
President of Cult Information and Family Support explains how Christians can aid loved ones through the long journey out.
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This Christmas, Let’s Remember Jesus’ Maternal Lineage
This Christmas, Let’s Remember Jesus’ Maternal Lineage
The book of Ruth’s narrative reminds us that God’s salvation is not simply accomplished through “heroic” men, but that women, too, play a vital role.
My Top 5 Books for Christians on Daoism
My Top 5 Books for Christians on Daoism
Where to start when navigating the diffuse and complex tradition of thought and religious practice dating back to the very beginnings of Chinese civilization.
O Tread and See that the Lord Is Good
O Tread and See that the Lord Is Good
Advent wreaths, labyrinths, and the Stations of the Cross help me grasp the gospel anew.
A Conservative Evangelical Defense of Disney
A Conservative Evangelical Defense of Disney
Its progressive turn is real. But its most beloved films are surprisingly compatible with many aspects of a Christian worldview.
Dutch Election: Right-Wing Surge Sinks Once-Dominant Christian Parties
Dutch Election: Right-Wing Surge Sinks Once-Dominant Christian Parties
Trump-like figure Geert Wilders campaigns on traditional identity and anti-Muslim rhetoric, dividing believers as society secularizes further.
Christmas Special: Save 50% on Gift Subscriptions
Christmas Gift 50
Give a hassle-free, no-delivery-required gift that uplifts and inspires.
Where Ox and Ass Are Teaching
Where Ox and Ass Are Teaching
Many traditional Nativity scenes aren’t strictly historically accurate, but they teach us deeper biblical truths.
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A Korean Sect Targeted New Zealand Christians. Did Churches Respond Effectively?
A Korean Sect Targeted New Zealand Christians. Did Churches Respond Effectively?
Former members describe how Shincheonji infiltrated traditional churches and campus ministries with deceptive practices and heretical beliefs.
Creation Waits in Eager Expectation
Creation Waits in Eager Expectation
… for American Christians to take climate change seriously. At the COP28 climate summit, fellow Christians wait too.
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Bah, Humbug! But I’ll Echo the Joyous Strains
Bah, Humbug! But I’ll Echo the Joyous Strains
I’m not into the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holiday. But I find a vicarious joy in “rejoicing with those who rejoice.”
God’s Last Word Is Jesus
God’s Last Word Is Jesus
Christmas celebrates the finality of Christ’s incarnation.
Destiny Is All? How Fatalism Affects Churches Across Asia
Destiny Is All? How Fatalism Affects Churches Across Asia
Pastors and scholars from Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and Thailand share how fate appears in their pews.
My Top 5 Books for Christians on the Druze
My Top 5 Books for Christians on the Druze
A survey of resources on the heterodox Shiite sect of Islam that calls itself “Unitarian” and believes in reincarnation.
Journalists Won’t Earn Back Trust by Claiming a Monopoly on Truth
Journalists Won’t Earn Back Trust by Claiming a Monopoly on Truth
Margaret Sullivan’s “reality-based” approach to journalism overlooks the reality of legitimate division in American society.
Hudson Taylor’s Wish for a ‘Thousand Lives’ for China’s Millions Has Become a Reality
Hudson Taylor’s Wish for a ‘Thousand Lives’ for China’s Millions Has Become a Reality
The legacy of Hudson Taylor and his China Inland Mission is still inspiring new generations of Christians in China and beyond.
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Don’t Miss These African Christmas Hits
Don’t Miss These African Christmas Hits
Jam out this season to highlife, Afrobeats, jazz, a cappella, R & B, rap, dance, and hip-hop artists from Nigeria, South Africa, and more.
Parsing Pancasila: How Indonesia’s Muslims and Christians Seek Unity
Parsing Pancasila: How Indonesia’s Muslims and Christians Seek Unity
Three Muslim and three Christian leaders candidly discuss sharia, extremism, and national identity in the world's most populous Muslim country.
Indonesian
‘The Poor Will Always Be Among You’ Is a Call to Obedience
‘The Poor Will Always Be Among You’ Is a Call to Obedience
This verse can be misconstrued as a justification for systemic poverty. But what does it really mean?
Russell Moore’s Favorite Books of 2023
Russell Moore’s Favorite Books of 2023
From rabbits and Inklings to Kardashians and King, here are the year’s best reads according to CT’s editor in chief.
When Grief like Sea Billows Roll Through Your Holidays
When Grief like Sea Billows Roll Through Your Holidays
I learned how to mourn when my mom lost her mind, and then her life, to dementia.
The ‘Soul of India’ Now Lives in Its Cities. Is the Local Church Ready?
The ‘Soul of India’ Now Lives in Its Cities. Is the Local Church Ready?
How Christian outreach has come to look like the YMCA, call center ministries, and the “Christward” movement model.
Blessed Are the Bearers of ‘Han’: What Koreans and the Israelites Teach Us About Collective Grief
Blessed Are the Bearers of ‘Han’: What Koreans and the Israelites Teach Us About Collective Grief
My culture and the Bible call us to become aching visionaries.
As Evangelicalism Grows in Catholic Latin America, So Does Secularism
As Evangelicalism Grows in Catholic Latin America, So Does Secularism
A Colombian scholar assesses the state of the movement roughly 150 years after Protestant missionaries first arrived.
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Deconstructed Home for the Holidays
Deconstructed Home for the Holidays
Faith is dividing families. What does lament look like in our relationships to God and our loved ones?
Christian Wiman on Writing Against Despair
Christian Wiman on Writing Against Despair
In “Zero at the Bone,” the poet discusses love, lament, and living toward a ‘happy ending.’
‘Have You Considered My Servant Kevin?’
‘Have You Considered My Servant Kevin?’
A new film, “The Shift,” is an entertaining, thoughtful, and cinematically competent retelling of Job.
Enter to win Christianity Today's 15 best books of the year
Book Award Giveaway 2024
Our picks for the books most likely to shape evangelical life, thought, and culture.

Top Story December 28, 2023

The Global Church in 2023: CT’s Top 20 International Stories
The Global Church in 2023: CT’s Top 20 International Stories
Our most-read stories from around the world, from Brazil to Cambodia to Germany.

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