Cover Story: Unto Us A Child is Born
By Jean Nash Wells

Christmas. It’s all about children. It began with the birth of Baby Jesus. The Christian belief in the divinity of his birth and the glory of His second coming is ever abiding. We take delight in the wonderment on the faces of our own children as they listen to the story of Jesus’ birth in a manger. The joy on their faces on Christmas morning makes the arduous task of shopping for just the right gift worthwhile. The gathering of the family to partake of all of the wonderful gifts of the season makes this a special time for most of us, and our children. But for some – far too many–of our children, the picture is entirely different.

Guest Editorial: The Real Reason for the Season
By Rev. Conrad B. Tillard
Nazarene Congregational Church

“…God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” John 3:16-17 (NIV)

In light of the horrendous shooting of Shawn Bell at the dawn of this season, and the sacred memories of Eleanor Bumpers, Patrick Dorismond and countless other victims of police brutality in the cities and towns of New York and New Jersey, we have every right to be angry and dissatisfied with our condition, as were the people that Jesus would be born to. We yet have a right to celebrate this season, for in this season our ultimate victory over these oppressive forces is confirmed.

Love, Peace and the Joy of the Lord Laughter heals, laughter soothes and laughter creates bonds. In Sunday school, we teach the children a little song that says: "I've got that joy, joy, joy, down in my heart. I've got the peace that passes understanding down in my heart. I've got the love of Jesus down in my heart."

My View:
By Rev. Theresa Nance Pastor of
The Church By The Side Of The Road
108 Hoover Ave., Passaic, NJ.

We are girding up our loins to remember the birth of Christ, and from there, we in the African-American Diaspora are going to move with all deliberate speed to get out our Kwanzaa celebratory candles and attire. After that, we recall yet again, the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; then it’s on to Black History and Women's History Months.

THE WAY AHEAD: True Christmas Stories
By Mwandikaji K. Mwanafunzi

Christmas plays and pageants pervade in December, promoting images of shepherds, wise men, and baby Jesus. These are great and sure beat Santa Claus and reindeer. etc literate Christians should further prune through these seasonal images by reading the Bible directly. The Bible presents Christ nativity information in segments. The Book of Matthew relates Christ’s conception, birth, and early life primarily from Joseph’s perspective. Luke looks more from Mary’s point of view. John focuses on Christ’s spiritual source.

Gospel Train: Grace & Peace

“God has smiled on me; He has set me free… God has smiled on me; He’s been good to me!” I was asleep and in my dream I was singing that song. It woke me up and just like Joseph, I couldn’t let it go. It was in the morning I sought Thee, and the song that my Father gave blessed me throughout the day. It was exactly what I needed and in that moment things worked out. God is able to give you everything that you ever need and want when you acknowledge Him in all your ways.

Book Review: A Hand to Guide Me
Review by Kam Williams

"Every individual you are about to meet in these pages has remained humble, and that's been my mantra for as long as I can remember. and it's something I've tried to model for my children as well. But if there's one lesson to be learned from the voices you're about to hear, it is that it's not only on us. It's on the folks around us as well. And mostly, it's on our ability to keep open to their example. That's the underlying message in these pages, that you can draw a line from every great success back to some rock-solid foundation. A parent. A teacher. A coach. A role model. It all starts somewhere.And for me, that somewhere is with God.

The Last Word: T’is the season – for giving and sharing
By Jean Nash Wells


November is the month that begins the holiday season. It is the time when family and friends gather to give thanks, break bread, fellowship and reminisce about times gone by.This is the season of giving and sharing. Giving, not measured by size or amount, but rather by value or deed. Quite often a little goes a long, long way especially when it comes from the heart.