It Doesn't Have to be Hard

Christmas is upon us. It's a Christian holiday established by Pope Julian I in 4th century A.D. to mark the intervention of God in the events of human history by sending a savior to not only offer salvation, but also to show us how we should live. The gospel message is simply stated in John 3:16. Regrettably, religion, tradition and politics have diluted the simplicity of God's gift to the point that people are leaving the faith in large numbers.

During my 40-plus years in ministry I've seen my own faith wander through various theological sectors of Christendom. I wince when I consider some of...