In Case You Missed It

Playing the villain is nothing new to Neal McDonough. However, tackling the role of Lucifer in the faith-inspired film "The Shift" changed the actor's life forever. In the film, which comes from Angel Studios, a man in a dystopian world is confronted by a stranger known as "The Benefactor." Learn more and check out CP's interview with McDonough now.

From details on Carlton Pearson's memorial service to K-12 education, readers were busy checking out a variety of topics this week. Here's a look at the most popular stories. 

Top 5 Clicks ...

• Lesbian bishop says she was barred from preaching Carlton Pearson's eulogy
• UN teacher in Gaza accused of holding Hamas hostage in attic
• School assigns 11-year-old girl to share bed with biological boy
• US official: Hamas may be holding female hostages to keep them from talking
• 74 Florida churches walk away from UMC amid homosexuality schism

U.S. News & Politics ...

• Highlights from the fourth Republican presidential debate
• Trans advocate says preventing men from competing against women is unfair
• Mike Johnson talks teaching nation's foundational principles 
• Teacher hid LGBT club from parents
• School district under investigation after trans student exposes self to girls

Church, Ministries & Outreach ...

• Megachurch plans Christmas event, anticipates 2K attendees
• Save the Storks launches 100th mobile medical clinic
• Nonprofits come together to install State Capitol Nativity scenes
• Church baptizes 141 people in a single day

What is a true miracle? During a recent episode of the "Crossmap Podcast," Rabbi Jason Sobel reflected on Christ's miracles and why faith and trust are at the heart of it all. "[E]ach one of these signs, each one of these miracles that Jesus performs is meant to build hope in our hearts. It's meant to build faith, and every one of the miracles that He performs has a promise attached to it," Sobel explains. Listen now.

Final Thoughts ...

This week, our CP Voices contributors weighed in on issues such as speaking out when fellow believers are victimized, moral considerations when it comes to surrogacy, and demons. As we close out the week, we'd like to leave you with this thought from Eastern European Mission President Bob Burckle:

"When thinking about giving a gift to God, I recall the story of Peter, John and the lame man in Acts 3: 'Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you.' We clearly can’t give God anything of material value—but that's not what He wants anyway. What does He ask of us? 'To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God,' as stated in Micah 6:8. I think our time, love and respect, and obedience would definitely fulfill His Christmas wish list."

As you head out to take care of your Christmas shopping with your peppermint mocha in hand, remember that Christ is at the heart of Christmas and it is what God wants from us that matters most of all.

And, that's a wrap