The Red Feather

Pastor Tom Elliff recalls how his mother placed a red feather from her hat onto their Christmas tree during that lean time following the war. From that Christmas on, the tree wasn’t complete until the feather occupied a place of honor among the boughs.

Celebrating the Real Beauty of Forgiveness

with Tom Elliff
December 19, 2008
The red Christmas feather became a symbol of God's extravagant love and forgiveness when Tom placed a new red feather on the tree after his mother’s death. View Show Notes →

A Broken Feather; Broken Promises

with Tom Elliff
December 18, 2008
Tom was tempted to retire the red Christmas feather when his father left his mother in 1981. View Show Notes →

A Tradition Begins

with Tom Elliff
December 17, 2008
A red feather on the tree became a symbol of God's provision during Christmas 1946. View Show Notes →

Meet Series Guests

Tom Elliff

Tom Elliff served as the International Mission Board's Senior Vice President for Spiritual Nurture and Church Relations. In addition to his work with IMB, Tom pastored for forty-two years, during which time he served as the president of the SBC Pastors Conference and two terms as president of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Blessed with four children and twenty-three grandchildren, Tom and his wife, Jeannie are also frequent speakers at conferences and on radio programs addressing issues related to family life. Tom is a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University (BA), Southwestern Seminary (M.Div.), and Southern Seminary (D.Min.).