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 …
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?" The …
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 1:28 …
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 …
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 be …
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 new projects …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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 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 …
Christmas Joy!
Joy is one the great blessings of Christmas. It shows up Christmas services with beautiful music. Joy is in the giving and receiving presents. Joy can be evident in reconnecting with family. True joy …
Expectations at Christmas
Remember the old-fashioned bubble lights on Christmas trees? After plugging in the tree, the colored lights immediately came on, but there were no bubbles. For a child watching, it seemed like hours. …
