Ramadan, the month of fasting, begins at sunset today for Muslims in Mukilteo and around the world. Its concept and meaning can have benefits for everyone seeking a positive impact... — Updated 3/22/2023

What is your talent or passion? What do you like to make? God can use it! We read in the Book of Exodus 31:1-5 that “the Lord said to Moses, ‘See, I have chosen Bezalel son of U... — Updated 3/8/2023

Editor’s note: The Beacon is revisiting Worship columns by some of our retired writers. This piece that ran Aug. 15, 2013, is by Mark Smith, former senior pastor of Mukilteo Presb... — Updated 3/1/2023

I think most people, even in passing, have heard Jesus Christ referred to as “the Lamb of God.” That’s interesting, because there is only one person in all of the Bible who sp... — Updated 2/22/2023

I was shocked a recent poll found that only about half of Americans felt grateful and of those who agreed that being grateful was important, only about half of those admitted to... — Updated 2/15/2023

Goodness! For me, a special kismet is in the air! God is such a showoff. I awoke this Wednesday morning to my only chore of the day, that of writing this column, as it is due in one... — Updated 2/8/2023

This past Christmas, my nephew from Japan came to visit us with the intent to experience what Christmas was like in the United States. I thought that this was an interesting... — Updated 2/1/2023

One of my favorite quotes is from Crawford Loritts. He says, “Greatness is never the product of giftedness, greatness is the product of faithfulness.” People strive for... — Updated 1/18/2023

The first night of Hanukkah, the eight-day Festival of Lights, starts this year at sunset on Dec. 18. As I’ve been writing this column for the Mukilteo Beacon worship page since... — Updated 1/15/2023

I love the “Star Wars” films. Among many quotable lines from the series, one particularly resonates with me as we live out our Christmas reality into the New Year. In “Star... — Updated 1/11/2023

Editor’s note: The Beacon is revisiting Worship columns by some of our retired writers. This piece that ran Feb 14, 2009, is by Mark Smith, former senior pastor of Mukilteo... — Updated 1/4/2023

We have completed Christmas Day, and many may already be packing up the tree, and moving on to the New Year’s decorations and parties. In the Lutheran Church and many mainline... — Updated 12/28/2022

For Christians, this season of Advent is a time to anticipate the coming of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Churches remind themselves using a variety of Christ’s... — Updated 12/20/2022

Editor’s note: The Beacon is revisiting Worship columns by some of our retired writers. This piece that ran Aug.24, 2011 is by Mark Smith, former senior pastor of Mukilteo... — Updated 12/14/2022

Rarely do faith and sports cross paths; this year’s World Cup is the exception. Morgan Freeman said “Football united nations and their love for the beautiful game. What brings t... — Updated 11/30/2022

Hello friends! Sometimes, God speaks to us in the first person. It’s a concept. Pretty compelling stuff. For instance, here is His Voice now, from the Baha’i Writings: “O SON... — Updated 11/23/2022

Editor’s note: The Beacon is revisiting Worship columns by some of our retired writers. This piece that ran May 1, 2013 is by Mark Smith, former senior pastor of Mukilteo... — Updated 11/17/2022

The start of the fall season is one of my favorite times of the year. I could do with a little less rain, but there is something about November, when the air is crisper, the days... — Updated 11/9/2022

On Oct. 31, much of our culture celebrated by dressing up in various costumes and did the very thing their parents had warned them about. They took candy from strangers well into... — Updated 11/2/2022

Approach the public square with a “firm center” and “soft edges.” Christian writer, religious freedom lawyer, and Iraq War veteran David French recently quoted this idea fro... — Updated 10/26/2022

I am biased. I admit it. Every day there are things that I do, things that I say, and things that I think all come from a prejudice that has developed in me over the years. It’s... — Updated 10/19/2022

I recently had a friend remind me of a great quote by A.J. Swoboda – "Jesus heard the audible voice of God twice in the New Testament. Neither time was he told what to do but... — Updated 10/14/2022

Ha ha. I bet I caught a few of you with this headline. Today I want to dig into why this phrase catches people's attention. Be honest: Would you have read further if I had titled... — Updated 10/5/2022

According to the Buddha, the primary cause of our suffering is ignorance. What does “ignorance” mean? Ignorance is a fundamental state of mind that reflects misunderstanding.... — Updated 9/28/2022