Hopes and Fears
The celebration of Christmas can feel formulaic, especially in the United States. Stores start advertising Christmas in October. Radio stations play Christmas music in November. People start pulling out the…
Immanuel God With Us
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 “What is your favorite…
And The Government Will Be Upon His Shoulder
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty…
“It is well.” Even when it is not.
As many are looking forward to this season with great joy, there are just as many who wish the holidays would pass quickly because it is too painful. The same…
Joy To The World
The past two weeks have been filled with heavy news both globally and closer to home. I have numerous friends and family members who are struggling with life and death…
Isaiah 9:6-7
The names of God in Isaiah 9:6 are familiar to most of us: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. But have you ever really unpacked it…
The Hope of Anticipation
We often hear people talk about getting in the Christmas spirit. The context of that is often something we have to do: decorate the house, buy the gifts, cook a…
The First Christmas: Anything But “Normal”
This year we all just want to get back to “normal,” whatever that means to each of us. Many say we are living in unprecedented times. As we look towards…
The Gift Of Christmas That Never Fades
No matter how our Christmas celebration is, isn’t there always a bit of a letdown when it’s over? The anticipation is over. The hope that this year our family gathering…
Christmas Blessing
Be blessed to marvel at the outrageous and awesome lengths to which God the Father went to give us the perfect gift of Emmanuel, God with us. Be blessed to…
Christmas: An Invitation To Reckless Abandonment
For those of us who grew up celebrating the birth of Jesus, the Christmas story can become too familiar. It easily slips from a story of awe to simple facts…
Christ My Life
As we celebrate the gift of Jesus Christ this Christmas season, pray this prayer attributed to St. Patrick to reflect on all that was Christ is for you. Christ for…