“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…
Eight Months Pregnant and Riding a Donkey
Okay — so I am pondering the thoughts of Mary again. Consider this — she is eight months pregnant. Eight. Months. Pregnant. And Joseph walks in with news that would make any expectant mother drop her water jar. “Pack your bags, Mary. We’re heading to Bethlehem for the census.”Bethlehem. Eighty dusty miles. On a donkey.…
The Marvel of a Man Willing to Trust
Yesterday, in my blog, I focused on the news from the angel, Gabriel to Mary — and the awesome yet trepidatious knowledge of carrying Baby Jesus in her womb — “and the Holy Spirit came upon her.” (Luke 1:35) In the meantime — Joseph had plans. Good plans. Solid plans. He was established, respected, engaged…
Hearing God When We’re Just Ordinary
Mary was just a teenage girl in a quiet town — no spotlight, no social media following, no impressive resume. Just ordinary days, family routines, and maybe a few daydreams about her future. Then one day — right in the middle of regular life — an angel shows up. Not just any angel — Gabriel…
The Low-Shelf and Low-Tree Things
I still remember my own two little ones when they were toddlers — and later my Nana treasures — those bright-eyed grandchildren with their curious fingers and determined little steps. I learned early on that anything low-shelf was fair game. So before they’d arrive, up went the glass bells, the porcelain keepsakes, and yes —…
The Joy of Hope and a Faith-Filled Child
Yesterday marked the second Sunday of Advent — the Sunday of Hope and Faith. Two candles now glow on the Advent wreath, and two themes shine brightly in my heart — because today, December 8th, is the birthday of my hope-filled, faith-brimming baby girl, Staci Michelle. Fifty-six years ago, God handed me one of His…
A Father’s Love at Christmas
Every December, I set out my nativity scenes — all dozen-plus of them — but this year — something sweet caught my eye. Nearly every set shows Mary looking tenderly at Jesus in the manger or holding Him close, as any new mother would. But among all the figures, one nativity stood out from the…
Let’s have a Different Spirit
If there were ever a season that calls for a different spirit, it’s Christmas. And no, I don’t mean the decorating-till-midnight kind of spirit (although that can be fun). I’m talking about the spirit God pointed out in Numbers 14:24 when He said: “But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has…
The God of Sunrises, Scripture and Screws
Last weekend at Epiphany Ranch felt a little like stepping inside a hymn like “To God be the Glory” or “How Great Thou Art”. The first morning, Staci and I greeted the sunrise together at 6:00 a.m., wrapped in blankets, soft instrumental worship music floating in the background, the fireplace flickering its own quiet amen.…