I read two brief articles this morning from Christianity Today that I’d like to recommend here. The first, The Obstacles of Advent, was written by my friend Skye on how his church is attempting to make space for the Advent season. They’ve gotten very practical about this…

In addition, beginning in late October we start encouraging everyone to complete their Christmas shopping before December 1. This frees up time during Advent to connect with others, and hours that would otherwise be spent at the mall can now be used to serve someone in the name of Christ. It seems so simple, but I can’t tell you how many people have been blessed by this suggestion.

The second, Fear Not the Compass, is by film critic Jeffery Overstreet, about the just released film, The Golden Compass. The author of the the trilogy, His Dark Materials, that inspired this film has made it clear his very negative sentiments about God and Christianity. As you can imagine, many Christians have been quite wary (some even advocate a boycott) about the film. In his article Overstreet takes time to reflect on the film and suggest ways that Christians could respond.

Essentially, don’t behave in ways that the Magisterium in Pullman’s books would behave. You’ll just make his stories more persuasive, by confirming for the culture around us that Christians only really get excited when they’re condemning something.

Instead, respond with grace and love. And truth. Admit that, yes, Christians have committed grave sins in the name of Christ, and that those shameful misrepresentations of the gospel have made many people fearful of, and even repulsed by, the church. But Christians have been called to serve the oppressed, proclaim freedom for the captives, bring healing to the sick, to seek justice, to love mercy, to walk humbly, and to bring good news of “great joy.” And by God’s grace, many are living out that calling. They paint quite a different picture than what Pullman has painted.

Finally, educate yourselves and equip your kids with questions—lenses, so to speak—that will expose the problems in these stories.

I’d recommend taking a few minutes to read both of these articles.