"Silent Night" is one of the most widely known carols in the world, and the story of it's growth and popularity have a lot to teach us about the story it celebrates.

Sometimes all of the necessary pieces come together at just the right time. Such is the case, both in this classic carol, and in the Christmas story itself.

Our favorite Christmas carols often have a lesson to teach us. Sometimes that lesson is learned through the lyrics, but other times it is hidden in the history of the song itself.

Contentment often seems elusive, especially this time of year. As soon as we find satisfaction, something comes along to stoke the fires of discontent. We want different stuff, a different job, a different house, a different circumstance. Why is contentment so hard to hang onto?

Sometimes the difference between victory and defeat lies in the voices we listen to. This holds true on the battlefield, in athletics, and even in eternal matters of life and faith.

The tyranny of the immediate often distracts us from the most important things in life. A great way to escape this pattern is to continually be reminded of the bigger picture. 

Actions speak louder than words, so what does your conduct say about you? The question has power to stop and make us think. Perhaps an even more thought provoking question to ask, though, is what our conduct says about the Gospel? 

What comes to mind when you think of "The Church?" An institution? Good memories? Hypocrites? Both believers and the world at large have various mis/understandings of the Church, but what does God have to say about it? The answer might change how we understand not only the Church, but ourselves at well.

God's people are called to be different, but different can be difficult.