Christmas
Advent Reflections
I recently read a post from Max Lucado where he focused on the inn keeper in Bethlehem when Joseph and Mary, his very pregnant wife, were looking for a place to stay for the night. He missed a personal encounter with Jesus, likely not because he was evil, but because he was busy. This man … Continue reading
The Call to be Light Bearers
My family and I recently visited a Christmas light show. We chose our ticket time carefully because we wanted to be sure it was completely dark. Who wants to watch a light show in the daylight? We were not disappointed. Even though it was overcast and misting rain, the lights were spectacular against the dark … Continue reading
Do Not Be Afraid
One of my family’s favorite Christmas movies is, “Home Alone.” We’ve seen it a dozen times, but we watch it every year and laugh like it’s the first time we have seen it. We watched it last week and found ourselves entertained as usual. One of my favorite scenes takes place in a church. It’s … Continue reading
Remembering the Reason for the Season
On the day after Thanksgiving, we put up our family Christmas tree. At some point, among the Christmas decorations, my son found an Advent calendar I had saved. When we first moved into our house, my kiddos were 3 and 5 and the sweet lady who lived across the street, brought them an Advent calendar. … Continue reading
The Christmas Cactus Testimony
About a week ago, I was delighted to find small, bright pink buds on my Christmas Cactus. I tend to it year round, but once a year, it rewards me with stunning tropical blooms. When I see the little buds, it’s like a little announcement from Creation itself that Jesus is coming. It makes no … Continue reading
A Call to Be Thankful
My daughter and I were talking on the phone one day this week. She had been sending me pictures of the Christmas decorations that she and her college roommates had been putting up. She was telling me how she normally wants no part of Christmas before Thanksgiving. She has never liked how people just skip … Continue reading
Craving Christmas
As I write this post, Thanksgiving is a week away. Every year, I try to take time out in November to intentionally be more thankful. I try to start each morning with a prayer of thanks for the many blessings I have been given. I make every effort not to rush ahead to Christmas, although … Continue reading
Celebrating Christmas All Year
As I write this, Christmas is over. The tree has been taken down, the decorations put away and the New Year has been rung in. It’s already February. It amazes me how back in November, people were putting their trees up even before Thanksgiving, proclaiming it their favorite time of the year. Gorgeous pictures of … Continue reading
Christmas Writing Break
My daughter is home from college for Christmas break. My son will be out of high school in another week for his break. My hubby and I have two Christmas functions to attend after work this week. The hustle and bustle has definitely been taken up a notch for me. In an effort to enjoy … Continue reading
The Candle of Hope
Yesterday at church, we celebrated the first Sunday of Advent, which marks the beginning of the period when we expectantly wait for the birth of Christ. Every Sunday until Christmas, someone will light a new candle and read some Scripture and then say a prayer. The Church takes the opportunity to prepare our hearts for … Continue reading