Dianne Van der Putten—What Does God’s Love Mean to Us?

Advent is such a wonderful season in advance to the celebration of Christ’s birth. It’s a time of preparing our hearts and minds as we focus on the true ‘reason for the season’ – Jesus Christ. Each week of Advent shines a light on Christ and has a very specific focus. This week is Love. I believe that since the beginning of time God has been displaying and speaking His love to all mankind. Every part of creation shouts of the invisible hand of God behind it. His love speaks to us in the beauty and majesty of all His creation. But what does His love mean to me? Can His love be personal? For me? For you? Have you ever thought about that?

Read more ...

Christmas Letter 2021

Please read the letter below from Bill Stevens on behalf of the team.

Read more ...

Dan Adams—Will Your Joy Still Be There after the Festivities Are Over?

As we continue to look forward to celebrating Christmas, the birth of Jesus, our anticipation and excitement grow. The Christmas songs we sing in church and the scriptures we read and reflect upon help us remember that miraculous first Christmas. We think about the time we will spend with family and friends, the gifts we will give and receive, the delicious traditional meals and treats we only have once a year. All these memories and activities bring comfort and joyfulness to our hearts as we wait these last few days before Christmas. But after the gifts are gone, the leftovers are eaten, and we've said goodbye to our loved ones. Will your joy still be there?

Read more ...

Care Baldwin—Finding Peace this Advent Season

The angels proclaimed “Peace on Earth” when the Baby Jesus was born. But how do we find peace today despite the dark, scary world around us? We all need two kinds of peace in our lives: Inner peace and peace with others... And God can give us both.

Read more ...

Bill Stevens—Hope: A Reflection of the First Sunday of Advent

Is hope perhaps the least understood and over simplified reflection of the Advent Season?

When you ask Wikipedia, how does it describe hope? the answer is “...hope is an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one's life or the world at large.” Hmmm...

Read more ...

SAVE ON EVERYTHING

Use code BLACKFRIDAY2021 at checkout to save 10% off already low prices on everything! By wearing and using CHRI's original, branded merchandise, you are telling more people where they can find hope and encouragement, and pointing them to Jesus. Thank YOU for helping get the word out about CHRI!

Click HERE to shop! Sale ends Monday November 29th, 2021. 

Quote-ables for Speaking Life in You & Others

The song "Speak Life" by multiple award-winning CCM artist TobyMac (released in 2012) was inspired by the truth that, in every conversation and with everyone you encounter, you have the opportunity to speak life in to someone. Your words can build them up or tear them down. TobyMac has an Instagram account named after the hit song where you can find encouraging and motivational quotes to build you up and that you can share with others. Visit Instagram.com/tobymacspeaklife and Facebook.com/SpeakLifeQuotes and read more for examples...

Read more ...

Brock and Dan Compete to See Who Can Guess the Most Shoebox Gift Items

Packing a shoebox for a child should be fun! Get your kids involved, do it as a small group, make it in to a packing party or an event! 
National Collection Week is November 15th - 21st, 2022. Learn more about Operation Christmas Child here.

Marking the 100th Anniversary of the Remembrance Poppy in Canada

2021 marks the 100th anniversary of the Remembrance Poppy in Canada. The Poppy was first introduced by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian Medical Officer during the First World War, when he penned his now infamous poem, "In Flanders Fields," the day after a fellow soldier died. 

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below....

Read more ...

CHRI Podcast Ranks #1

CHRI's "Jewish Faith & Facts" Podcast, hosted by Rabbi Steven Garten, has been ranked #1 on the Best 4 Canadian Jews Podcasts (ranked by traffic rank, social media followers, domain authority & freshness). The program also airs on CHRI Radio Sunday mornings at 6:30am. Listen to past episodes here.

Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Israel, Steven Garten will explore aspects of the Jewish religion, people, and holidays, and give insight on the ancient scriptures from a Jewish perspective.