Arguably, George Frideric Handel?s majestic oratorio, Messiah, is one of the greatest pieces of music ever written and is certainly a highlight of the Christmas season. Of special value to those of the Christian faith is that Handel?s Messiah connects the Old and New Testaments. Part 1 of the oratorio gives focus to the Old Testament prophet Isaiah and the ?Prophecy of Christ?s Birth?: ?For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.?

In late November, the Nonhuman Rights Project filed a writ of habeas corpus on behalf of a chimpanzee named Tommy of Gloversville, New York. Stephen M. Wise, leader of the Nonhuman Rights Project, is demanding that the State Supreme Court in Fulton, County, NY recognize Tommy as a legal person, with a right to liberty, but one that has limits. . .
How should we think about this rather novel and extraordinary legal argument to establish that chimpanzees are legal persons, with rights and liberties? Permit me to offer several reflections on the growing animal rights movement

Paul continues his lesson to the Corinthians on Christian liberty, in relation to idolatry.

Reproductive technologies and information technology are re-defining marriage, procreation and are affecting the value we place on both marriage and children. The result is tension, confusion and an uncertainty about almost every social dimension of our culture. Marriage, as an institution, is incredibly fragile and these technologies are not helping to stabilize this foundational institution. Consider these observations:

Paul warns the Corinthians of idolatry & other sinful practices, and uses the Israelites in the wilderness as an example. He warns us to not be presumptuous in avoiding sin, and to trust God in trials & temptations.

Paul discusses his rights as an Apostle & how he waives his Christian rights for the benefit & care of others to be more Christ-like.

The month of November 2013 witnessed the anniversaries of two quite significant events in American history?Lincoln?s Gettysburg Address (the 150th anniversary) and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy (the 50th anniversary). Both are important for our history and both are symbolically quite powerful.