A Promise Too Far
One of the lessons that life and the Holy Spirit have taught me is this – be slow to make promises. But what if you or I make a promise…
Category: Encouragment
John Episode 2: Perceptions
All four gospels recount Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem for Passover. That day is recognized annually as “Palm Sunday” and begins the week leading up to Good Friday and Easter. John…
John: Part Two Episode One
At the beginning of 2020, we walked through the first 11 chapters of John. Those entries can be reread (here). The intent when we paused the series was to pick…
Rooting Our Expectations
Expectations are tricky things. They can elevate our hopes to rarified heights, darken our fears, or land somewhere in between. We can even fear to hope since we may jinx…
A Quick Look
For the past several years, as we cross into a new year, I’ve written an article along the lines of looking back/looking forward. This is that article. But given the…
Christmas: Affirmation
Our view of Christmas and the events at Bethlehem are often more like a snapshot instead of the slow unfolding of what really happened. We cram and compress events that…
Moments of Silence – The Tomb
For the past few weeks, we’ve explored moments of silence. Those pauses or beats in the Christmas story shape the events, in the same way, brief moments of silence shape…
Christmas: Jubilation
For many folks, Christmas season is not a joyous time. The stress of buying the “right” gift causes frustration. The bickering and arguing over the scheduling nightmare of getting everyone…
Moments of Silence – The House
There are many mysteries around Christ’s birth. One such mystery is the Wise Men and the star they followed. Our next moment of silence involves them. For our Christmas series…
Christmas – Adoration
Christmas gifts aren’t all their cracked up to be. We’ve all given or received gifts out of routine or tradition. Like the can of nuts that was hastily wrapped for…
Moments of Silence – The Stable
Births are messy with fluids and emotions and noise and drama. Some may be easier than others, some less painful and traumatic. But in even the most intentionally sedated environment,…
Christmas: Incarnation
Magic and mystery are intertwined with Christmas. Even on the secular side of things, there are reindeer that fly, a magical being that gives gifts to all, and a snowman…