Imagine the deep trust shown by Mary when the angel Gabriel came to her, changing her life (and ours) forever. "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Luke 1:28 NIV Questions …
The Wonder of Grace at Christmas
Recapture the wonder of grace. Twinkling lights on the tree, sounds of joyful Christmas music, and the aroma of sugar cookies baking in the oven create a calm atmosphere in the home during …
Perfect Love, The Gift of Christmas
Perfect love came a a gift through the child in the manger. God gave the purest gift to us, but many do not receive the gift. Who doesn't love to get gifts at Christmas? What is motive for giving the …
The Birth of True Joy
True joy entered the world in the birth of Jesus. Shepherds, outcasts on a hillside watching their sheep, were shocked by the angel's announcement. Suddenly life changed forever. "Today in the …
Are Stress and Peace the Rhythm of Life?
Peace is often hard to find in a world full of stress. We anticipate something to happen one way, but it turns out another. Stress increases. We live in the tension between stress and peace. Our …
A Broken Mess?
We live in a broken mess. On the news we hear about fires raging out of control, eathquakes rattling communities, and unresolved wars. People made homeless due to natural disasaters or joblessness. …
Redemption In a Manger
Christmas brings the redemption of many things. For one, the boxed Christmas tree is spread out, fluffed and decorated with lights and ornaments. The once smashed tree is transformed into a beautiful …
Hope in the Waiting
As a child, I remember my eagerness of waiting for Christmas. My parents put up the live tree late in the month. Glass ornaments and thin strands of crinkly tinsel hung on the branches; the pine scent …
How are You Preparing for Christmas?
Christmas is fast approaching; the simple thought can stir up anxiety from considering all the tasks involved in preparing for this major holiday. December can be one big headache if we let …
Christmas Love Versus Fear & Loneliness
Christmas love brings to mind warm sentimental scenes created from movies. People are cozy and happy in television specials, getting along with everyone. However, in real life, the Christmas season …
Christmas Joy Versus Despairing Days
Waiting for joy. Outcasts on a hillside watching their sheep. Suddenly life changed forever. The angel's announcement shocked them. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good …
Christmas Hope Versus Darkness
Hope gets stirred up during December through the anticipation Christmas gifts. Kids anticipate their favorite toy or video game under the tree. Families look forward to getting together for their …
Christmas Peace versus Chaos
Everyday situations and people rob us of peace is we let them. A baby in the night cries and the mom wonders if she’ll ever have a silent night again. The caregiver of a terminally ill person wonders …
Seven Tips to Prepare for Christmas
"Prepare the way for the Lord." Centuries ago, the prophet Isaiah spoke those words that changed history. God was preparing the way for our Savior. The sovereign God had a master plan for our …
Joy to the World!
Joy breaks into darkness with hope! I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 …
Unwrapping the Gifts of Isaiah 9:6
Gifts are sometimes bought as a result of strolling down the aisles of a store, looking for just the "right gift." We don't quite know what the gift should be, but we're sure to recognize it when we …
The Wonder of Grace at Christmas
Twinkling lights on the tree, sounds of joyful Christmas music, and the aroma of sugar cookies baking in the oven create a calm atmosphere in the home during December. We yearn for this kind of …
Simplicity at Christmas
Simplicity becomes elusive during the Christmas season. We are bombarded continually with advertising to buy something NOW. Shopping with the deadline for the best price brings stress to "buy more, …
The Story of “Joy to the World”
Christmas carols stir many emotions. From the gentle, sweet melodies of “Away in a Manger” and “Silent Night” to the exuberant sounds of “O Come all Ye Faithful” and “Angels We Have Heard on High,” we …
Seven Tips to Prepare for Christmas
Prepare for Christmas! Tis the season for massive to-do lists, increased spending, and high expectations. The decorating and shopping have begun. Family get-togethers are formulating. It is easy to …
