They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. — Isaiah 35:10 NKJV The black, velvety sky was clear and studded with sparkling stars that had looked down on earth since the beginning of time. Shepherds appeared to be sitting idly by their flocks but in fact were keeping a sharp…
Who’s Sitting at Your Table This Christmas?
I’ve always loved the Advent season. There is something uniquely special about preparing my heart and mind to celebrate the joy of Jesus’ birth and all that His life represents. This season can be exciting. It can even be enchanting. But one thing I’ve found over the years is that for most, myself included,…
Between the Advents
Prepare for God’s arrival! Make the road straight and smooth, a highway fit for our God. Fill in the valleys, level off the hills, smooth out the ruts, clear out the rocks. Then God’s bright glory will shine and everyone will see it. Yes. Just as God has said. — Isaiah 40:3-5 MSG We often…
And They Bowed Down and Worshiped Him
On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. — Matthew 2:11 NIV I’ve spent this morning wrapping presents. The sofa was blanketed in items awaiting my attention, and…
A Bright Future
Christmas is the time of year when you are actually excited for snow, cold, and all things made of wool. We have a Savior to celebrate and a house that smells like peppermint candles and cookies. Come February though you start to look and feel like a bloated version of Wendy Torrance from that Stephen…
Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible: Mary’s Song of Jesus’ Coming Birth
Editors note: Did you know that Mary’s song of Jesus’ coming birth in the book of Luke echoes some of the same themes as Hannah’s song upon the birth of the her son, the prophet Samuel, in the Old Testament? Let’s examine the passage and enjoy this fascinating article from the Cultural Backgrounds Study…
It’s the Waiting That Makes Us
We’ve all had to wait. This Advent comes at the tail end of long months of waiting for so many of us. As I assess my friends around me, many of us are waiting on more than merely the day when this virus no longer impacts everything. I, like you (I suspect), have a deeper…
Jesus’ Birth: A Year-Round Conversation
Christmas is almost here, and amidst the hustle and bustle, all of us Christian parents are concerned with one thing — making sure our kids remember that Christmas is about Jesus! I know I can’t be the only one who sometimes feels like this is an uphill battle. With the shine of new toys and…
Making Memories
Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. — Luke 2:19 Each year during the holidays, our family pulls out the home movies, loads a bowl with truffle-salt popcorn, and settles in for our absolute favorite trilogy of the year: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids; Honey, I Blew Up the Kids;…
The Jesus I Need
Are you thinking what I’m thinking? That given the events of the past year, Advent feels just a tiny bit misplaced? Global pandemic. Economic instability. Racial tension. Unending violence. The call to quiet myself and once more prepare for the coming of Jesus feels like something better suited for a time of greater peace. What…