From the Editors: Advent Is a Season of Waiting

An introduction to the December 2025 issue of Sojourners.

Shūsaku Endō (1923-1996) was a Japanese Catholic author. His 1966 novel, Silence, has been adapted to film three times, including a 2016 film directed by Martin Scorsese. In 1971, Endō was awarded the Order of St. Sylvester by Pope Paul VI. / Illustration by Bijou Karman

ADVENT IS A season of waiting. In Israel and Palestine, political hostages have been waiting for a release that finally has come for many. We rejoice when captives are freed. But the “pacification” of Gaza is not the same as God’s shalom. Palestinian Christians John and Samuel Munayer, brothers and theologians, bring a Christmas message from the Holy Land. Liberation also comes in many forms. Rebecca Randall investigates how a “forgiveness therapy” program at a Wisconsin prison has loosened the grip of past abuse for some people.

Sojourners editor Julie Polter interviews Chuck Collins on his new book, Burned by Billionaires. Collins is a dependable moral guide on the economy. When he says that the world has a “billionaire problem,” we listen.

Don’t miss “The Best Faith and Justice Books of the Century (So Far)” by our editors. You will be reminded of ones you’ve already read and want to give as Christmas gifts—and discover others to add to your list. Last (but never least), our gift to you is humorist Ed Spivey Jr.’s “reporting” from the frontlines of occupied D.C., while armed only with footlong subs and fashion critiques. Take time to laugh.

This appears in the December 2025 issue of Sojourners