Rev. Peter M. Wallace

Host of "Day1" radio program and author of "The Passionate Jesus"

Jesus showed us that there are times when we must stand up and express truth to power in constructive, meaningful, unyielding ways despite the possible consequences. Just as God is righteously angered over oppression and injustice, so should we be.

Mike Ghouse

Speaker, thinker, writer, pluralist, activist

In the spirit of celebrating Christmas, I urge people of all faiths to reflect upon the message of Jesus Christ without the politics of Christianity. On this Christmas day, reach out to everyone.

Karyn L. Wiseman, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Homiletics, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia

As I grew up and went into ministry I got a bit bothered by the purée of Gospel that is the typical church nativity play. But this week, I went to a Christmas Program and nativity play at my son's parochial school, and I survived.

Erica Shaps

Interfaith Youth Core College Fellow

Brandeis' identity presents challenges: How can the school celebrate its Jewish roots and accommodate its large Jewish population while still being inclusive and welcoming to all of its students? I would be lying if I said we never experience awkwardness as we try to strike a balance.

Sarah Sayeed, Ph.D.

Program Associate, Interfaith Center of New York

Each of us can decide whether we will feed conflict or feed peace. As Americans, we can play the role of bridge-builder, innovator, bringing together parties in conflict -- to listen to the pain and grief that are embedded in stories currently in circulation.

Daniel P. Horan, OFM

Author, 'Dating God: Live and Love in the Way of St. Francis'

Whereas in Christmases of the past, the day came and went amid gift giving, caroling and holiday parties, each rushed to be included before December's end, perhaps this year might be the occasion to slow down and ponder that which stands in the background of this hectic time of year.

John Dear

Christian peace activist, author of 'Lazarus, Come Forth!' and 'A Persistent Peace.' www.johndear.org

I've come to the conclusion that no one can claim to be an authentic Christian any more if they support warfare and weapons. You cannot seriously call yourself a follower of the nonviolent, peacemaking Jesus f you own guns or support our wars.

Rev. Amy Ziettlow

GenX Pastor, Writer, and Host of FamilyScholars Conversations

Mary believes, Mary ponders, Mary grieves -- an inspiration to modern people, ever experiencing extraordinary joy and extraordinary loss in the midst of ordinary life.

William B. Bradshaw

Author, 'The Big Ten of Grammar: Identifying and Fixing the Ten Most Frequent Grammatical Errors'; 'Sinister Among Us' (a novel about demons); and 'Fundraising: the System that Works." See www.williambbradshaw.com

What carries Christians through times like these is their faith in the God revealed to them though the life and teachings Jesus.

Steven Kurlander

Political and communications strategist; Former Columnist for 'Sun Sentinel' and 'Florida Voices'

It's Christmas Eve. And for most of us, thank goodness, it's almost over. We've been too preoccupied with a lot of "holiday" crap to enjoy a real joyous sense of a true Christmas.

Elizabeth Denham

Writer, Blogger

I turned back into the darkness of the garage and closed the door to see my husband sobbing. In ten years, I had never seen him cry. I looked around to see our life in the shadows.

David Pyle

Willis H. Booth Professor Emeritus of Banking and Finance, UC Berkeley

Rove induced the wealthy claque/To finance his Super PAC/In 17 races/Two first places/They want their money back.

Carl Sferrazza Anthony

First Ladies and Presidential Families Historian, Author & Screenwriter

No matter how much we may imagine them now as marbleized icons of history, even presidents and first ladies enjoy searching out the ideal gifts to give loved ones at the holiday season, and sometime delight with an equal degree to receive them.

Corey Pandolph

Cartoonist for The New Yorker, Co-creator of "Gosling and Booker." Pro-Whiskey. Anti-pants.

Rev. Susan Russell

Episcopal priest and activist from Pasadena, Calif.

The danger of the Christmas story is that it is so familiar that we can lose the amazing impact of its glorious message in the frenzy that surrounds the event.

Avital Norman Nathman

Writer and blogger, The Mamafesto

As the boys were all running around, the other child told my son, You better behave, Santa is watching." Without missing a beat, he answered, "Nah, he doesn't watch me because I'm Jewish!"