Living in the Peace Zone
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.…
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…
I’ve mastered making return trips – which isn’t a compliment to myself! Case in point – going to the grocery store and picking up all the items on my list — only to get home and realize one item was missing and I had to make the return trip. In Luke 2:41-51 we read about…
I have been checking off my to-do list before leaving for East Texas tomorrow where I’ll be welcomed by my daughter and family. Of course, they will. I will be bearing goodies and gifts for them. On Christmas Day, I’ll return to my Austin Family’s home where we’ll enjoy their Christmas traditions. Then, Monday, we…
One of my fondest memories, as a child, was memorizing a Christmas poem for my church’s Children’s Christmas Program. It may have been the simplest of words “Christmas is a time of joy. It started with a baby boy. He came to save us from our sins. Won’t you let him be your friend?” But…
I often receive private messages from those who are hurting and are seeking peace in their lives. They’ve “tried” God, but still feel abandoned and hopeless. I speak truth and life into them and pray with them. And, very often, I’ll receive back their reply that what I said gave them comfort and peace –…
It doesn’t make sense to say those words effectively in one sentence. Better said in two sentences. One sentence is short and short on promise. “I enjoy the notion of Santa and the joy he brings at this time of the year.” The other sentence is HUGE on promise that lasts from here through eternity.…
Last Sunday was the first Sunday of Advent when hope was the theme. Today, the second Sunday of Advent, the theme is love. Love is what caused the Father to look with pity on His people who needed a Savior. He loved so extraordinarily that He gave His only begotten Son….” to the world. (John…
It’s here at last! The most wonderful time of the year! I think we’re singing that song a little louder and prouder this year. We sure needed Christmas and its many symbols and songs and THE BABY to light up the darkness we have encountered this year. I needed one little set of clear Christmas…
Today I’ve got my eyes wide open for “signs” – you know, those sweet reminders of loved-ones passed or the Christmas card or phone call or text messages from friends and loved ones, but mostly, the “signs” of Emmanuel – God with us. Tonight, we’ll attend Christmas Eve mass at my church and “signs” will…