Let’s Make Our Hearts a Bethlehem.
So here we are, December 23rd, hearts full, hope rising.The only baby who chose to be a baby is almost here. And, HERE, was Bethlehem. Why did Jesus come as a baby — when He didn’t have to. He could have arrived on the scene fully grown — robes flowing, crown shining. When He comes…
From Dallas to Bethlehem — What a Difference a Town Makes
I was born in Dallas, Texas—a city that does nothing small. Big highways. Tall buildings. Big hair (at least back then). I entered the world in Parkland Memorial Hospital, a clean, sterile, well-equipped place with machines that beeped and doctors who knew exactly what they were doing. My mother was just a few miles from…
May the Fourth Be With You
Yes, that’s my little Star Wars wink as we arrive at the Fourth Sunday of Advent. We’re officially on the launchpad. Christmas is close enough to hear the angels clearing their throats. This final Advent candle shines with love — the kind that doesn’t shout but shows up. And no two people model that better…
Self-Doubt, Angels, and Trust
When Mary received the astonishing news that she would carry the Son of God, Scripture tells us she rushed to Elizabeth, her much older cousin. Every girl needs a safe place to land when life turns upside down — and Elizabeth, was just that. A woman of faith. A woman who knew something about waiting…
Lay it Down and Rest
Oh yes — the Christmas lights are glowing. Carols are floating through the air. Everywhere we turn, the message is clear — Be cheerful. Be jolly. Be merry. And you may be shouting — “That’s easy for you to say — you’ve got it easy — no worries, no shopping til’ you drop, no “to…
From Manger to Majesty
I am still amazed by the miracle of Christmas. Truly amazed. That God — the Creator of galaxies, oceans, and every beating heart — chose to come to earth wrapped in human skin. That alone should make us stop mid-sentence and ask — “How could that be?” A virgin named Mary held the Son of…
Whether Happy or Sad — Emmanuel Is Here
Emmanuel — God with us. Those three words are a lifeline –especially for anyone who’s walking through December with sorrow. I still remember this day — December 17th. Eight days before Christmas. I was 15, and I saw my daddy go home to Jesus. While other kids were thinking about presents, I wasn’t. I’ve thought…
“Do Not Fear” — Seems to Be a Theme Here
If we’ve learned anything from the Christmas story so far, it’s this –God must know we humans can be skittish aka jumpy aka nervous. Three scenes in and we’re already batting three for three on angelic fear warnings. Mary? “Do not be afraid.”Joseph? “Do not be afraid.”Shepherds? “Do not be afraid.”(Translation: Breathe. Heaven is speaking.)…
The Father’s Arms are Open Wide
I saw this photo of a father with arms stretched wide. It stopped me cold. A young boy sprinting toward his dad, joy exploding on his face. His father had just been released after six months held captive in Syria. And now — freedom, reunion, relief. If we want a picture of the gospel wrapped…
When Joy Sneaks In
Here we are — the third Sunday of Advent. The Sunday of Joy. This candle on the Advent wreath symbolizes rejoicing because Christmas, the arrival of Jesus, is getting closer. Time to REJOICE! It’s not the loud, confetti-throwing kind of joy (though I’m not opposed!) — but the kind that sneaks in quietly, right when…