When the holiday pressure robs me of true joy and thanksgiving, it’s time to re-evaluate.
Category: Christmas
Awaiting a Savior
Over 2000 years ago people looked around them in dismay: fighting, fear, and frailty of body, mind and soul surrounded them. Hearts longed for someone, the promised Messiah, to save them. They knew what He would look like. They knew what to expect, and when. Yet, not one was prepared for what God would author:…
Treasure of Confirmation
One year of my life was particularly rough. And one of the toughest things about that season was my inability to discern what was happening. I could not see, I did not know, and I needed to trust God to guide me. My heart cried to God, “Help me! I feel so alone. Please confirm…
Encouragement in the Ordinary
If you have ever had a day home with young children, you know the challenges that arise. Fussiness. Clutter. Screams ringing in your ears and unpleasant smells assaulting your nostrils. Even the most positive among us might call it a bad day by nightfall. Maybe Mary was having a bad day. If you’ve ever been…
Choosing to See Treasure
Back in January, I had plans for this year. Places I scheduled to see, things I was thrilled to do, and people I was cherishing to do life with. But then a few things happened. Some small, but a few loomed large. And those happenings changed my plans. As weeks extended into months of altered…
God Understood Mary’s Need
“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” Luke 1:45, NIV Mary knew her life path had veered into unchartered territory. I knew Gabriel had visited me and I clearly recalled his pronouncement. It was just so hard to believe God was doing this, and doing…
A Most Divine Interruption
“The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you,’” Luke 1:28 NIV The young Mary startled at the angel’s appearance. She hadn’t received notice of Gabriel’s impending arrival. Her mother never instructed her on how to entertain angels. Mary simply had no idea what to do!…
The Gift of Faith
“The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you,’” Luke 1:28 NIV Startled, young Mary was scared at the sudden appearance of an angel. She hadn’t received a written notice of Gabriel’s impending arrival. Her mother probably never instructed her on how to entertain angels. Mary…
The Wisdom of Wise Men
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him.” Matthew 2:11a, NIV After endless months of treacherous travel, the star stopped over a humble home. With great reverence, we slowed to a stop. Dusting our clothes and wiping our hands we unpacked the gifts…
Seeking Him Wisely
“Where is the One who has been born king of the Jews?” Matthew 2:2a, NIV Arising from my mat I glanced outdoors. Another day had already begun. The stillness of the morning peacefully greeted me. I wondered what the day had in store. As my thoughts meandered to the daily tasks at hand, I recalled…