“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as …
Missing Jesus
“Where’s baby Jesus?” My husband searched through the bag where we stored one of our Nativity sets from last year. “Uh-oh, we lost baby Jesus.” I rushed over. “What?” “Baby Jesus is missing.” We have several nativity sets, but the one I most treasure is …
Shouts of Joy!
”God steps out like he means business: You can see he’s primed for action.” [Isaiah 42:13 The Message] Today we celebrate the soon appearing of a babe lying in a manger—are you ready to celebrate the appearing of the King of kings? Around the globe …
Joy to the World
“Joy to the World” was originally titled “The Messiah’s Coming and Kingdom” (Doesn’t have quite the same joyful ring, does it?) The carol paraphrases Psalm 98:4-9, calling for all of creation to joyfully praise the reign of the Lord. Anybody can play or sing the …
Share the Christ of Christmas
At a Christmas gathering last year, we read the Christmas story–a children’s picture-book version. Kids and adults alike gathered in the living room to listen to the reason for this joyous season. As the story progressed, some children–and adults–listened intently, while others half-listened, buzzed from …
Desirous and Desperate for the Second Advent
In the story of the five foolish virgins and the five wise virgins found in the first 12 verses of Matthew 25, truly some were ready for the Bridegroom’s appearance and some were not. I’ll never forget when an acquaintance proclaimed to me on December …
Gifts on My Wish List
“What do you like about Christmas?“ I asked my young granddaughter. “Presents!” she replied with a giggle. I wasn’t surprised. I would have answered the same way when I was her age. But now as a grandmother, I have a different perspective. For me, the …
In His Name
We read yesterday that God Himself gave Jesus the Name above all Names–A name that brings salvation. Savior. Yahweh saves. The importance of His name connects Christmas with Easter. Throughout all the New Testament, much is done IN HIS NAME, and we are still encouraged …
Name Above All Names
Parents-to-be are often asked, “What are you going to name your baby?” There is something delightful and special about finding the perfect name with the right fit, sound, flow, and meaning. We named our firstborn Christine Alane because, like her namesake Alane, she was born …
Prophesy Fulfilled
When you were a child did you ever crawl under the Christmas tree and shake the presents? When our children were little we caught them shaking presents as they tried to guess what was in each one. Something soft and squishy meant clothes and something hard …