God Showed Up as He Promised
Happy Birthday, Jesus, and Merry Christmas to you and yours! If you’re like me, you’ve planned, shopped, cooked, baked, and today you’re getting to rest on your laurels, or maybe you’re still at it with all-day Christmas activities. For us, the crème de la crème came yesterday –- when we attended two Christmas Eve services.…
He Shall Be Called Prince of Peace
He Shall Be Called Prince of PeaceMerry Christmas Eve to you and yours! “Peace on earth, good will toward men.” – Luke 2:14 The angels sang a song that night, one the world still needs to hear— peace is possible. Good will is within reach. But how can it be in a world with so…
I’m a Sap for a Good Love Story
Thursday night we attended a Christmas Open House at the home of dear church friends. How precious they are, and how welcoming they were to many people. As beautiful as their home is – in more Christmas décor than a Christmas store — is this couple, Lester and Barbara, and their story. He is 91;…
May the 4th Sunday of Advent Be With You!
Today, I invite you to join me in celebrating this 4th Sunday of Advent. We’re almost to Jesus’ Birthday! The final lit Advent candle marks the beginning of the final week before Christmas. The white candle represents purity and peace brought to the world by Christ. We can take some lessons from Mary and Joseph.…
He’s Knocking — Let’s Open the Door
“Listen! I am standing and knocking at your door. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and we will eat together.” – Revelation 3:20 The innkeeper’s story is one we’ve heard countless times. But have you ever stopped to imagine what he might have felt like when he realized…
Overshadow Me, Lord!
It’s almost incomprehensible, isn’t it? A virgin conceived a child –not just any child, but the very Son of God. The Holy Spirit, the same creative force that whispered galaxies into existence, overshadowed Mary. And in that sacred moment, the Creator of the universe knit Himself together in her womb. God became man, and His…
Oh Tidings of Comfort and Joy
This time of year, my heart always turns to those spending their first Christmas without a loved one. While the world sings “Joy to the World” and the air rings with goodwill and glad tidings, I know not everyone feels like celebrating. For some, the holidays bring a longing to look past the tinsel and…
Visions of Sugar Plums
“Twas the night before Christmas” poem goes on to say, “The children were nestled all snug in their beds; While visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.” But let’s pause for a moment. What is a sugar plum, anyway? I did a little digging and discovered three possibilities. First, it’s a candied plum —…
The Giver of Good Things
We’re still a ways off from President-Elect Trump’s inauguration, but he sure isn’t letting any grass grow under his feet! As he builds his team, we do our part by praying daily for his safety, wisdom, and God’s divine will for our nation. And isn’t it a relief to know that our joy, peace, and…
Where is Jesus?
I was pleasantly surprised and joy-filled when I walked through the corridor to our apartment and saw this beautiful nativity set and the large characters displayed. It warmed my heart and soul! This nativity scene and those in our homes are more than decorations. They are invitations to reflect on the heart of the Christmas…