Iowa

Skipping out on the “light and superficial” messages that sometimes characterize the sermons preached on Christmas, megapastor Bill Hybels decided to dig deeper this year and go with something more substantial, focusing on the miracle of the incarnation of Jesus Christ and his suffering on earth to save mankind.

“Since the announcing of the Hybels’ Christmas Day service and not really knowing if...20 or 200 people would show up, I’ve had to make a decision of what kind of sermon to give on this occasion,” the founder of Willow Creek Community Church shared on Sunday morning.

The megachurch had earlier revealed that they would hold one worship service on Sunday, Christmas Day, hosted entirely by Hybels’ immediate family who would run the sounds and lights, lead the music, and read the announcements. All other staff and volunteers would be given the day off. more >>

The Ron Paul campaign has released a new ad featuring several former patients touting the GOP presidential candidate and doctor's Christian faith and pro-life stance.

The 60-second ad, titled “Always on the Right Path,” promotes Paul's experience as an obstetrician/gynecologist who has delivered more than 4,000 babies, while confirming his belief that life begins at conception – a crucial issue for many voters.

Former female patients are featured in the ad, praising Paul for his beliefs and character. more >>

The Family Leader President and CEO Bob Vander Plaats gave a personal endorsement to Rick Santorum but said the Iowa conservative organization will not endorse a GOP candidate for the 2012 Republican race.

The Christian organization refrained from picking a name from the large pool of GOP contenders, choosing to instead remain neutral. Its leader, however, bestowed his personal endorsement on former Pennsylvania Sen. Santorum as the best social conservative for the race.

Santorum, an outspoken pro-life, pro-traditional marriage candidate, told The Des Moines Register that the personal endorsement is “a lot better than nothing” and a reflection of how his message is resonating with Iowa conservatives. more >>

Texas governor and Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry on Sunday took his bus tour to two churches in two different cities in Iowa and talked about his faith in an apparent move to attract conservative Christian voters.

At First Wesleyan Church in Charles City, Perry spoke about his faith’s renewal at age 27, according to The Texas Tribune.

“It’s a God-shaped hole in your heart and it can only be filled by Jesus Christ,” Perry told the congregation, and quoted Isaiah 6:8: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” more >>

During Thursday night’s debate, Texas Gov. Rick Perry likened what he predicts will be his moment to shine to that of Christian football player Tim Tebow. But unlike the Denver Bronco, Perry has shown little signs of a political resurgence.

Perry, in what was his final debate before the 2012 primaries, sent a message to Americans who are doubtful he could take on President Barack Obama as the GOP nominee: “I hope I am the Tim Tebow of the Iowa Caucuses.”

However, his parodied religious message, continued gaffes in debates and distant fourth place standing in the national polls have made his chances at a comeback more remote than Tebow’s. more >>

A Christian woman from Iowa may face legal action for refusing to bake a wedding cake for a lesbian couple due to her religious beliefs.

Victoria Childress, who runs a bakery called “Victoria’s Cake Cottage” from her home in Des Moines, told Trina Vodraska and Janelle Sievers that she was unable to make them a wedding cake because of her Christian convictions when they came to her shop for an appointment.

She had baked five cakes for the women to taste prior to knowing about their relationship. When both came in for the tasting, she asked one of them, “Is this your sister?” to which one answered, “No. This is my partner,” Fox News reported. more >>