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…
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You
Today marks the third Sunday of Advent, a perfect time to sing, “Go Tell It on the Mountain!” I’m not suggesting we lace up our hiking boots and scale a mountain! Let’s start right where we are — at ground zero — and let the JOY of Christ’s coming shine through us. The third candle…
If You’re Wondering and Wandering…
I listened to this eerie yet soul-stirring “I Wonder as I Wander” Christmas folk song and it gave me yet another blog. In case you’d like to hear and see the beauty of it, here’s the link:https://youtu.be/FonDzi49DYg?si=wdoXR192JLSF4G38 After listening and watching it, I could picture a starlit sky, shepherds leaning on their staffs, and wise…
From Animal Control to Crowd Control
Picture the nativity scene: sheep bleating softly, a donkey nuzzling hay, cattle lowing. No opulence for the Prince of Peace. God chose for His Son, a humble and lowly stable — precisely where His plans unfolded. God’s ways might seem off-course, but His ways far exceed our ways. From animal control in the stable to…