Editor’s Picks: The Best of 2018

2018 has been a fulfilling year for us at YMI. We launched our very first online devotional, published over 560 articles, produced 39 artspace projects and 7 videos to help you ask the whys and walk out your purpose.

Letting Go of All the Things I’ve Hoped For

I finally got a late acceptance to present at one of the top conferences in my field this November. Ever since I’ve heard about this conference, attending it has been on my “life goals” list, a milestone in my PhD career.

How Can We Look to Christ’s Return This Christmas?

While remembering Christ’s first coming during Advent and Christmas, we also anticipate and prepare for His second coming. Many people feel fearful when they think of Jesus’ return, perhaps because there is so much unknown about it. But I would like to suggest that His return should be something that brings encouragement to our hearts and minds.

What It’s Like to Celebrate Christmas Around the World

Ever wondered how Christmas is celebrated all around the world? This Christmas, we asked four of our contributors from different countries to share about some of the special customs and traditions that are part of their Christmas celebrations.

Let’s Do Something Kind This Christmas

I was on my way home after an evening out with some friends. As I exited the mall, I plugged my earphones in to listen to some music while locating the nearest bus stop.

What Difference Does Jesus Make?

The man who penned those words wrote them from a cold, lonely prison cell in about A.D. 60, chained 24/7 to a Roman guard. As he writes the letter, his reputation and good name are being dragged through the mud by rivals, jealous of his influence over the churches in Asia and Macedonia.

3 Lessons From My Near Death Experience

Six years ago today, I was a buckled passenger in a severe car accident on the way to my grandmother’s funeral, resulting in many broken bones and a terrible brain injury. My recovery has been exhausting—using every ounce of my very determined being.

5 Reasons I’m Looking Forward to Christmas

Ah, Christmas! Jolly Santas, white falling snow, reindeers and sleighs.

Well, not if you’re living in New Zealand. While our Northern European and American counterparts may be sipping mugs of hot cocoa and slipping into thick coats, Kiwis are busy gulping ice cold drinks and walking around town in jandals (rubbered slippers).

How Can We Honor Jesus This Christmas?

Have you noticed that sometimes, Christmas can get controversial?

I’ve seen people yelling in the faces of workers at Walmart or other retail stores, just for saying “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.”

Are We Missing the Point of Christmas?

Have you noticed that sometimes, Christmas can get controversial?

I’ve seen people yelling in the faces of workers at Walmart or other retail stores, just for saying “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.”

How Was Jesus Both God and Man?

Christmas is fast approaching. It’s the time of the year when Christians commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I enjoy Christmas a lot, not just because it’s a time when we give and receive gifts, but especially because of the many beautiful Christmas carols we get to hear and sing.

5 Gift Ideas For A Meaningful Christmas

It’s that time of the year again when we have to think of the perfect Christmas gift for our friends! Have you ever wanted to give your friends and loved ones more meaningful Christmas presents—other than $1 notebooks that they might never use?

What It’s Like to Spend Christmas Alone

My earliest memories of Christmas were a mixture of joy and sadness. I grew up  in Melbourne, Australia, where celebrating Christmas meant wearing bathing suits, eating barbeque shrimp and steak, spending the day around the backyard pool, and of course, the excitement of opening presents!

Don’t Let Depression Define You

The first few years, it was simply a sudden and unexpected heaviness of heart and mind. The feeling of being stuck in thick darkness and finding no safety. But it was overwhelming.

Losing control of my mind, seeing fear take over. Despair settling in. Hopelessness filling my heart.

Why Did Jesus Have to Come As A Human?

Jesus is easily the most influential person to have ever lived. He is also, possibly, the most enigmatic figure in human history. Talk to anyone and you will find that the vast majority actually do have something to say about Jesus, with a sizeable number choosing to believe the sensational (or the stereotypical) and not necessarily the truth.