Working Within the System (Luke 2:22-24)
And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were finished, [Joseph and Mary] brought [Jesus] up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (just as it is written in the law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice (according to what […]
Let’s Go (Luke 2:15)
When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” (Luke 2:15) God gave a word of hope to these outcasts, these unwanted, low-society shepherds. He gave them an announcement of […]
Christmas Lights
Christmas Lights (Or, “How I Found Perspective Because My Son Really Had to Pee”) My son really had to pee. We’d been driving for an hour through a display of brilliant Christmas lights in a neighborhood miles from our home. The Christmas music was turned up, the windows were rolled down, the atmosphere was festive… […]
What Christmas Means to Me
I have no presents to open today. Don’t take that the wrong way. Our family exchanged gifts a few nights ago when my brothers and sisters-in-law were in town, so it’s not like I lost my ticket for the goodie train this year. But, since the gift-giving is done, this morning will bring no fantastic […]
How to Not be Overwhelmed at Christmas
Do you ever feel overwhelmed during the Christmas season? Do you find yourself frustrated by the commercialism, by the long lines and busy schedules, by the financial burden and the family hassles? Here is your solution. Selah. In Scripture, to “selah” means to stop and consider, to step back and ponder something of great importance. […]
Why Some Christmas Songs Make You Cry
Do you ever get extra emotional when you hear certain songs? A friend of mine commented the other day, “I don’t know why, but Christmas songs always bring tears to my eyes, but they’re happy songs! Why is that?” Have you noticed this yourself? Maybe there’s a particular carol or Christmas pop song that just […]
