As excited as we get during the Christmas season, as thankful as we feel for the perfect gift of God’s son, there’s some dead space, some apprehension between the warmth and glow of the manger and what we believe God may have in store for us in the future. As we move from “Merry Christmas”…
Month: December 2018
Holy Christmas Nearness
I caught a moment of silence, my living room illuminated by warm white Christmas lights in the pre-dawn chill. There is very little quiet in my home full of humans trying to learn to coexist, trust, and love one another. We are new to one another still, having welcomed in two little people via foster…
A Light in the Darkness
There used to be something magical about Christmas. Lights twinkling on the tree and a growing assortment of mysterious presents tucked underneath. The excitement of unpacking our favorite ornaments to hang, each with its own special story. The scent of pine needles in the air and our whole family bunched up on the couch…
A Christmas Poem: Once Upon a Time
Author: Linda L. Kruschke Once upon a starry night A single star shown ever bright Outshone angels hovering a field Telling shepherds who rightly kneeled Of the birth of the Chosen One Born of Mary, God’s own Son Wise men followed that singular star Traveling for days from afar With the shepherds they came to…
Remembering to Make Room
Standing at the beginning of December, I’m already seeing very full days when I look at my calendar. The joy and excitement of the Christmas season can often be matched equally with busyness, and busyness quickly leaves little room for anything else. We find packed calendars instead of leaving room for quieting ourselves. We…
Finding Purpose in the Pain of Christmas
Author: Karly Grant Christmas. For some, that word brings feelings of excitement, glee, celebration, and magic. For others, that word invokes grief, dread, lost hope, or sadness. Or maybe you find yourself at a crossroad of all these emotions like I do? No matter where you find yourself this holiday season, I want you to…
Hope for the Dark Days of Christmas
Christmas has always been one of my most favorite times of year. In the middle of the darkest months of winter, we decorate with lights, bright colors, and cheer. If there is reason to be sad, we can effectively hide it behind joyous carols and celebratory gift giving. And yet, for many, Christmas is a…
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