From the Editor

BreakPoint WorldView » December 2008

The weather report is calling for a low of 22 degrees tonight. That’s bundle-up weather for this native-Floridian. As temperatures drop, my tendency is to cocoon with a fire, a hot cup of cocoa, and a good book. But the weather isn’t the only thing that has turned chill lately. From economic turmoil, to battles over the real definition of marriage in California, to an increasing devaluation of human life, it’s easy to feel the icy blast and want to withdraw to our comfort zone.

But our biblical worldview won’t let us. In this month’s issue of BreakPoint Worldview, PFM President Mark Earley reminds us that changing culture requires changing both the hearts and minds of people, as well as engaging in the political realm. Withdrawing a Christian presence from the political square won’t solve our problems, it will only exacerbate them.

Also in this issue, Roberto Rivera points to the demographic disappearing act happening across much of the West and Asia today. This so-called “Demographic Winter” forebodes a massive cultural shift. The problem is one that the Church ignores at Her own peril. Rivera challenges readers to advance God’s kingdom through embracing life and the sacrifices required to be fruitful and multiply.

Advancing the faith, especially in the times in which we live, also means standing shoulder to shoulder with our co-laborers in Christ. That’s something PFM Chairman of the Board, Mike Timmis, has learned from the trenches. In this issue, Gina Dalfonzo reviews Timmis’ new book, Between Two Worlds, casting light on how Timmis has straddled the world of his Catholic faith and that of his Protestant brothers and sisters to advance God’s work here and around the world.

Though winter brings icy winds, it also brings Christmas, a stunning light in the darkness. Christmas reminds us that Jesus left the ease of angels and glory and the face-to-face presence of His Father in heaven to enter into the dark chill of a fallen world. In his piece, “Preserving the Holy in Holidays,” T.M. Moore guides us in ways we can remember the true meaning of Christmas and other holy days and use them to strengthen our faith. We’ll need such a robust faith to keep us advancing, persevering, and stretching outside our own comfort zones in a world that is cold to Christ.

Catherine Larson is a senior writer and editor for BreakPoint. She is the editor of BreakPoint WorldView online magazine and The Point radio. Her first book, As We Forgive: Stories of Reconciliation from Rwanda will hit shelves in February.