The Beautiful, Unusual Manger Gift Foretold in Isaiah
Have you ever gotten an unusual Christmas gift? The first Christmas that Rick and I were married, we didn’t have much and needed a lot of things for our household. That year, my parents had …
Far Reaching, Life-Changing Christmas Love
Christmas images of love stir sentimental scenes created from movies where people are cozy and happy. However, often real life is the opposite of those images. The love of God given …
Hope Broke Through Silence
Do you have hope while waiting in silence? Or do you wonder if what you hoped for is worth it, and hope slips away? Throughout centuries, God’s people waited in hope for redemption. Some lost …
Are You Wrapped Up in the Wonder of Christmas?
The wonder of Christmas is all around us–the twinkling lights, yummy foods, beautiful music, and family gatherings. We wonder how we will get everything done by Christmas day. I like the …
Why is Christmas Hope Different?
Hope grows during December through the anticipation of the holiday activities, Christmas gifts and family gatherings. Kids anticipate their favorite toy or new electronic gadget under the …
Is Peace at Christmas Possible?
Christmas stirs a range of feelings from excitement to nostalgia to sadness. Children get excited anticipating the fun of gifts and parties. Adults become nostalgic, remembering holidays from long …
Preparing for December
December brings all kinds of preparations that can either be fun or overwhelming. The list includes special meals to prepare, gifts to purchase, lights to hang, and the Christmas tree to put …
The Greatest Gift: Redemption, Born in the Manger
God has given us the greatest gift at Christmas. The gift was Jesus, born in a manger for our redemption from the curse of sin and death. “For God so loved the world that he gave …
Holding On To Hope in a Weary World
How are you holding on to hope in a weary world? With the pandemic and many uncertainties, people need hope. As we wait for the end of this difficult year, we don’t know how long the …
Worship Through Prayer in Times of Uncertainty
Worship appears throughout the Christmas story, not just at the birth of the Savior. When Mary learned that she would be the mother of Jesus, she asked the angel “How can this be?” …
Imagine Mary’s Deep Trust in God
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 …
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 December. …
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. “Do not …
A Broken Mess?
We live in a broken mess. On the news we hear about fires raging out of control, earthquakes rattling communities, and unresolved wars. People made homeless due to natural disasters or joblessness. …
Will You Linger Longer with Joy?
Will you linger longer or jump to the next thing? January conversations usually include this question: “How was your Christmas?” A quick answer is given, but then discussion moves on to …
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 …
Christmas Love Versus Fear and 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 Joy Versus Despairing
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, …
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 …
