Today’s Briefing
Some of our best storytelling from 2024 took us everywhere from Chinatowns in Kenya to the International Space Station.
Our roundup of 20 CT stories from around the world remind us of the myriad ways the global body of Christ seeks to make him known.
We’ve got ten prayers to start off the New Year.
Behind the Story
From news editor Daniel Silliman: Happy New Year! Today’s a day when a lot of people take up resolutions—go to the gym, eat differently, read more, or make some other kind of change. And it’s a day, too, when people reflect on their lives and recommit to continue doing what they have decided to do.
I dug up an old document by David Neff, a CT editor from before my time. It’s called “7 propositions for CT journalism.” Here they are:
- Truth trumps everything.
- Truth must be tempered by wisdom and charity.
- Truth must be communicated with imagination and impact.
- Bridge-building is better than bomb throwing.
- Appreciate the good in those with whom you disagree, and understand the motives of those whose deeds are evil.
- Remember the evil in your own heart.
- Know your place in history.
Today seemed like a good day to read that list and say, “Yep! And more of that going forward into 2025!” Thanks for reading.
Today in Christian History
January 1, 379: Early church father Basil the Great dies. Founder and financial supporter of a monastery in Annessi, which became a complex of hospitals, hostels, and schools, he also succeeded Eusebius as bishop of Caesarea. He is also known for his theological work explaining the Trinity and for healing the Antioch schism in the eastern church. His monastic rule remains the basis of the Rule followed by the Eastern Orthodox religious today.
in case you missed it
For many writers, putting hundreds or thousands of words on the page is not the most difficult part of writing. It is rather the ideation phase, the task of coming…
The continued fighting in Israel limited biblical archaeology this year. But a few excavations made it into the field in 2024, and some of their discoveries are remarkable. Israel also…
Sixty percent of the world population lives in Asia, including a growing and active Christian community. This year, the top ten Asia stories on CT’s website focused on India, China,…
There’s something unmistakable about cracking open the spine of a new book or getting a whiff of that library-stack smell. Sitting with printed words invites readers to slow down—to savor…
in the magazine
As this issue hits your mailboxes after the US election and as you prepare for the holidays, it can be easy to feel lost in darkness. In this issue, you’ll read of the piercing light of Christ that illuminates the darkness of drug addiction at home and abroad, as Angela Fulton in Vietnam and Maria Baer in Portland report about Christian rehab centers. Also, Carrie McKean explores the complicated path of estrangement and Brad East explains the doctrine of providence. Elissa Yukiko Weichbrodt shows us how art surprises, delights, and retools our imagination for the Incarnation, while Jeremy Treat reminds us of an ancient African bishop’s teachings about Immanuel. Finally, may you be surprised by the nearness of the “Winter Child,” whom poet Malcolm Guite guides us enticingly toward. Happy Advent and Merry Christmas.
CT Daily Briefing
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