Rev. Larry Smith

The Christmas tree is lighted during the Allentown tree lighting ceremony Saturday Dec. 7, 2024, at Allentown Arts Park in Allentown.

Faith & Values: Christmas offers a glowing light in the darkness

December 13, 2025 at 8:31 a.m.

Christmas is when we remember the story of a child born in Nazareth who would change the world

Prayer comes in many different forms, not all of them connected to religious beliefs, the author asserts. (Keith Groller/The Morning Call)

Faith & Values: Prayer as a spiritual connection comes in many forms

August 9, 2025 at 8:00 a.m.

A person’s way of praying can be different and still be meaningful.

Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, reflected in the fish pond in the garden, photographed Sunday, Oct. 5, 2003. (The Baltimore Sun/Nanine Hartzenbusch)

Faith & Values: America owes its religious freedom to Founding Fathers

April 5, 2025 at 8:30 a.m.

Jefferson believed that he was truly following Jesus by focusing on what was humanly possible rather than proof of Jesus’ divinity.

Faith & Values: Religious tolerance makes America exceptional and strong

July 31, 2024 at 8:33 a.m.

One of the strengths of our nation is the ability of people from diverse backgrounds and beliefs to work together in community for a common cause.

Jose Medina of Bethlehem (third from right portrays Jesus, as he participates in a procession with members of El Shaddai Bethlehem Ministries along East Broad Street in Bethlehem during a re-enactment of Jesus's entry into the city of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, March 25, 2018. Dressed in costumes, the began their 3-block trek near Stefko Blvd and marched to the El Shaddai Ministries Welcome Center, concluding with a church service. According to the Biblical account, Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem with his followers on the first day of the week in which he was crucified. and was greeted by a crowd waving palm fronds. (Harry Fisher/The Morning Call)

Faith & Values: Living one’s faith means walking the path to inner truth

March 23, 2024 at 8:00 a.m.

Though we may not be blessed with their gifts, we also must confront within ourselves the truth for which we will live and die.

Associate Pastor for Formation and Justice Lindsey Altvater Clifton lights Ashley Derr's candle. First Presbyterian Church held its Christmas Eve Intergenerational Service on Friday, Dec. 24, 2021, in Bethlehem.

Faith & Values: For many Christmas means hope for a better world

December 2, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.

Christmas comes at the darkest time of year, a few days after the winter solstice. In the Northern hemisphere, we experience a time when the days have the fewest hours...

Local fire departments, outdoor clubs and volunteers scrubbed years' worth of graffiti off the rocks at the scenic Bake Oven Knob overlook on the Appalachian Trail. They first applied a cleaning agent called elephant snot and then hosing the area down.

Faith & Values: Connecting the natural world with spiritual realm

July 29, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.

Being present in the natural world can open one to new insight and transcendent love.

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