“If I’m still alive on Christmas Eve, I would like your promise that I can go home for Christmas,” the frail young woman whispered to her doctor. It was a cold day in December and the news Dr. John MacDougall had just delivered seemed …
Christmas isn’t all about gifts but, in our culture, few escape gift giving. While I write lists and shop throughout the year, more talented individuals make what they give. They say it’s a way of giving themselves. I admire those who sew, paint, sculpt, photograph …
Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests (Luke 2:14 NIV). It’s hard to believe how Christmas creeps up on us faster and faster as time goes by. Last year if our 16-year-old hadn’t pulled …
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, …
This time of year, we spend a lot of time thinking about gifts: what we will give our friends and loved ones, what we want to get, and what Christmas is all about – God’s gift of a Savior. Today I want you to think …
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in …
At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Besides the name Jesus, He has many other names, including the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). What is real peace? Perhaps you’ve heard the saying, “Know God, know peace. No God, no peace.” Peace begins with God …
Have you ever gone up to a stranger and taken hold of part of his clothing? Mark 5:25–34 recounts the story of a woman who did. She had bled continuously for twelve years. In the South, we’d say she had “female problems.” If she lived …
Somewhere between the darkness and the light. That is where we are as Christians. And not just at Advent time, but at all times. Somewhere between the fact of darkness and the hope of light. That is who we are. Frederick Buechner, The Clown in …
Recently my friend wrote me, “After much prayer, I finally finished decorating our home. It’s much different than it has ever been.” She continued, “We are no longer celebrating the birth of a baby, we are celebrating the soon coming of the King. The One …
