We live in a fallen world. All of us – our politicians, our leaders, ourselves – are tainted by sinful tendencies. Which is why we need institutions to keep power in check.

The workings of the EU institutions can seem distant, foreign and boring. Yet so much happens there that shapes our European way of life, whether we realise it or not.

Few Europeans today could tell you what these days stand for. Fewer still would have ever thought about the link between the two. 

‘Mosaic’ and ‘house’ were inadequate images for Europe, Bob Goudzwaard argued. Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son, however, did justice to a continent which had declared its autonomy and was quickly spending its inheritance.

There may be various historical and theological reasons why evangelicals are ignorant about European history, the EU story, and about what the Bible tells about politics.

The Dutch microscope pioneer, Jan Swammerdam, saw the magnificence of God displayed even in the despised and lowly louse. To a friend he wrote: ‘I present to you the almighty finger of God in the anatomy of a louse’.

The resurrection of Jesus is the climax of the Big Story, the turning point that has shaped European history and continues to reshape world history. 

Despite the popular impression that Van Gogh discarded his faith in Christ when he became an artist, his letters reveal that Jesus remained his chief inspiration.

As Europe re-armed leading up to World War Two, a Lutheran evangelist named Frank Buchman called the nations to moral re-armament. His Christian-initiated movement failed to prevent war but helped win the peace.

Ukraine’s struggle represents the third phase of the liberation of Europe. It’s outcome cannot be taken for granted.

When the guns fell silent in 1945, peace did not automatically follow. Europe was suffering a severe case of post-trauma stress disorder over the five fearful, bitter and anxious post-war years.

Although researchers have repeatedly established that marriage is associated with numerous positive outcomes for both adults and children, few dare to champion marriage publically out of fear of sounding judgemental.

While we may think of Epiphany as marking the end of the Christmas season, it should remind us that the Incarnation points to a message to be lived out all year long.

We acknowledge that the source of goodness in our lives lies at least partially outside ourselves: other people, nature, and ultimately God. 

In a Europe that has widely turned its back on the story that, far more than any other, has shaped its culture and civilisation, Christmas remains a paradox.

Five hundred participants at the European Parliament Prayer Breakfast in Brussels last Wednesday listened intently to a Palestinian Christian leader and others who are suffering under the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Democracy cannot simply be taken for granted. Vigilance is essential to resist unbridled self-interest and to promote the human dignity of all and human rights for all.

The Maltese are proud of their Christian heritage stretching back to Paul’s shipwreck on their island. How might God want to turn the ‘raging storms’ presently buffeting Europe and the Middle East into the advance of his kingdom?

On Halloween, Protestants commemorate Martin Luther’s dramatic start to the Reformation. The next day, Catholics will pray for departed souls. Believe it or not, these events all have a common connection.

Many European Christians are susceptible to becoming more Islamophobic after Islamic terrorist attacks. They have voted for extreme right-wing populist parties focusing on the perceived threat of the Islamisation of Europe.

Politicians, diplomats and intercessors from the Nordic and Baltic nations gathered in Helsinki for a prayer breakfast near the Finnish parliament.

In the story of redemption, God enters into our vulnerability. He does not keep bad things from happening even to himself – as the God-man.  

Remember how 2020 was expected to be a watershed year? The hopes that Covid-19 would force lifestyle changes? 

The ‘heroic virtues’ of Robert Schuman, were recognised by Pope Francis two years ago in the first stage of a long process towards canonisation. 

The Christian community as a whole needs to awaken to the intensity and pace at which secular intolerance is progressing.