Entering 2014 with high hopes for …

COVER STORY:
Join in a worldwide celebration of unlikely heroes—in Interfaith Peacemakers Month.
AND, Take Action: Choose something from our Bag of 12 Guilt-Free Gifts.

THE HOLIDAYS:
Stephanie Fenton reports on a wide array of New Year’s and Watch Night resources.
Octave of Christmas: Millions honor Mary and Circumcision of Jesus.
Feast of St. Basil: Celebrating an ancient Christian hero.

At the Movies: Idris Elba is triumphant as Mandela in Long Walk Home.
Visual Parables also recommends the 5-star film Nebraska.

In the bleak Midwinter … A story of a rose blooming after chilling news.

Debra Darvick’s His Lens/My Pen: From a California seascape.

Feed The Spirit: Start 2014 like a good Scot—with haggis!

OUR VALUES:
The challenge of “Jokes”:
Is it OK to laugh?
The Ancient Rule of 3: It’s hilarious—until it isn’t.
Political Satire: Is biting humor healthy for our country?
Schadenfreude: What’s wrong with making fun of others’ misfortunes?
Off-color limericks: Are they funny? Or offensive? The jury’s out.