“'I am the Lord’s servant,' Mary answered. 'May your word to me be fulfilled.' ... and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: '... Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!'” (Luke 1:38.41-44). I once heard a call…
As children, we fidgeted through the advent season. Those ribbon-locked packages peeked from under our Christmas trees as if teasing us. Some of us, not to be named, might have failed this test of patience and suffered the consequences. Christmas tests our patience in more serious ways as we mature. The…
In a time of pervasive online connectivity, loneliness plagues our world like never before. Online friendships remain shallow and fail to sate our hunger for empathy and support. Fear tempts us to seek refuge from violence broadcast throughout the world. In the shadow of grim murder stories, we isolate in our…
The first Christmas arrived during a bleak season for God's people. Israel shivered in the shadows of oppression and poverty. Iron-fisted pagans enforced their rule through barbaric crucifixions. Even their fellow countrymen succombed to corruption and betrayal. Prophecies had ceased four hundred years prior, so the growing cries of Israel seemed…
If your life seems bleak this December, you might be tempted to believe Christmas is geared toward those whose lives are already merry. But, the true story was masterminded and birthed by the Divine Author for those in desperate need, those just like you. Many church traditions center scripture studies on…
Twas the weeks before Christmas and all through the nation, toddlers' "Why" echoes stirred moms to frustration. "Why do you kiss under missing toes?" "Why must my wrapped presents wait?" "Why put a tree where our couch outta go and lights all over the place?" While annoyed at a tot's redundant…