Long before little Kevin McAllister was left home alone in Chicago by his family, which was rushing to catch a plane and, well, just forgot him, Jesus was "home alone" in Jerusalem in His father's house. While Jesus didn't have to fend off the "Wet Bandits" or worry about a frightening old next-door neighbor, He did engage with the teachers in the Temple. He explained himself to a worried Mary and Joseph, who returned to Jerusalem when they realized their son wasn't with them or their relatives in the caravan home to Nazareth. So why was it "necessary" for Jesus to be in his Father's house? What does this story teach us about our own walk with God? And where is OUR Father's house? This is a reflection on Luke 2:41-52.

What is the REAL meaning of Christmas? Is it lost amid all the shopping and decorating and wrapping and partying? That's what Charlie Brown sets out to discover in the 1965 special, Charlie Brown's Christmas. The secret, he finds out, is in the story told by Luke about shepherds visited by angels singing Glory to God and Peace on Earth. The angels are still singing, and we still need to hear them. Enjoy the Christmas Message at Clarkstown Reformed Chuirch.

John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea during the reign of Tiberius (in Rome), while Caiaphas was the High Priest in Jerusalem. His message was simple - repent and be ready. That same message applies to us today as we celebrate the birth of Jesus and wait for his return.

How an illiterate teenage girl in a remote province of the Roman Empire changed the world and became, forever, the "Blessed Mother." Mary is an image of the Church and of all of the faithful who are invited to give birth to the Lord, daily, in our lives and world.

Shelton Becton grew up in the Carolinas, the child of a farmer/pastor. He grew up in the church, and his first love was the music of faith. That faith has formed his life and his life's journey. Enjoy this fascinating interview with a giant in the music world who has walked with Christ for his whole life.

Advent is a time of waiting and remembering. We remember the birth, in Bethlehem, of the long awaited Messiah, and we wait for His return in Glory. What will that return look like. Do we see any signs of Him coming as He has promised to come. This episode discusses all these topics.

In today's episode, Pastor Rich discusses Advent: a time to look back to the time of the birth of the Messiah as we look forward to His return in glory to usher in a new Heaven and a new earth.  In the mean time we wait for his coming every day in the Spirit.

Rabbi Hirshel Jaffe is a five-time cancer survivor who has completed the NYC Marathon. He was part of the delegation of clergy who visited the hostages in Iran in 1980, and he was on hand at the White House to welcome them home in 1981. Rabbi Jaffe was honored by President Reagan as an American hero. In today's broadcast, he talks with Pastor Rich about hope and the importance of spirituality, prayer, and helping others. Pastor Rich also talks about Advent, a season of hope and expectation.

In Luke 21:25-36 Jesus speaks to his disciples about difficult times ahead. The temple, sign of the majesty of the God of Israel and of the Jewish people, will be tterly destroyed, and the world itself will end with portentous signs in the heavens and frightening events on earth. When that happens Jesus says we should not fear, rather sand up, lift our eyes and know that our redemption is near. As we remember Jesus' coming in history in Bethlehem, we look forward to his return to complete the work of redemption and usher in God's complete victory. While we wait, though, God still comes to us every day - so keep watchful and don't despair.

This week we celebrate Thanksgiving and it's important to remember to whom we must, first and foremost, give thanks. The psalmist says "give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his mercy is everlasting." And so it is. Give thanks for everything - absolutely everything - each day and I guarantee you'll be so much happier. Give thanks to people too - the ones who help you, serve you, love you ... This year make a resolution to live a year of gratitude. Finally true thanksgiving means not only saying thanks, but doing acts of kindness and generosity for others. Let's make this the best Thanksgiving ever. Today's special guests are Rabbi Paul Kurland and Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoelmann.