Religion

Richard Smallwood, the esteemed gospel music composer, singer, choir director, and worshipper, died on January 30th. His profound musical legacy, celebrated globally, continues to resonate in churches worldwide, influencing countless worship services.

On December 31, 1862, under the cover of night, both enslaved and free African Americans convened discreetly to observe Watch Night. This gathering was marked by anticipation as they awaited the implementation of the Emancipation Proclamation at midnight, a decree that promised liberation for themselves and their kin.

Dr. Lisa Clarke Harvin, a grief counselor and co-pastor, underscores the necessity of recognizing and addressing grief, particularly during the holiday season. She emphasizes the role of faith and self-care in facilitating healing, advocating for a deliberate and compassionate approach to managing loss.

An Atlanta-based church, Spirit and Truth, has successfully eradicated $1.5 million in medical debt, offering financial relief to over 1,100 families across metro Atlanta. This initiative targets those burdened by the unforeseen costs of illness and injury, reflecting the church's commitment to community support and economic justice.

Christmas carols, integral to the Christian tradition for centuries, encapsulate emotion, memory, and cultural texture. Many of these hymns, penned by African Americans, seamlessly blend theology with emotion, leaving a lasting resonance beyond their final notes.

Black authors and publishers are expanding the landscape of faith-based literature, offering books that enrich spiritual conversations and deepen faith understanding. These titles provide meaningful reads for both young readers and adults, enhancing the holiday season's significance.

Karla Reid, a resident of Fort Mill, South Carolina, experienced a transformative journey after suffering a stroke earlier this year, which led to her receiving both a heart and kidney transplant. This medical intervention has instilled in her a renewed appreciation for life and underscored the critical importance of self-care.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, alongside teammates, engaged in a community service initiative at Severn Elementary School, where they performed the Christian ritual of foot washing and gifted new sneakers to students.

The article outlines a curated selection of Christmas gifts, featuring a range of Bibles, timeless classics, and personal favorites, ideal for those seeking meaningful holiday reading and gifting opportunities.

In the wake of the COVID-19 lockdown, churches are shifting away from live-streaming services, aiming to draw parishioners back to in-person worship. However, critics contend that this move is myopic, overlooking the potential to expand congregations and reach the homebound through technological means.