Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.—James 1:17 (NIV) I once heard of someone who refused to take down his Christmas tree so he could hold on to the spirit of the holiday. I get it. Every year…
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”––John 13:34 (NIV) My all-time favorite Christmas carol—O Holy Night, beautifully encapsulates all of the themes of advent. Nested in its verses we see the themes of peace, hope, and joy. And in the last stanza…
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. —John 15:11 (NIV) Each Christmas I set out a small nativity scene where the word “Joy” frames Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus. It serves as a beautiful reminder of the joy Jesus brought to the…
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.—John 14:27 NIV The brightly decorated house caught my eye. In the center of the yard, in bright green colors, I read these words:…
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.—1 Peter 3:15a (NIV) It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Actually, it started looking like Christmas several weeks ago—about the middle of October. That’s…
But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.—Deuteronomy 8:18a (NIV) Leaning back in my chair, I sighed with contentment. It always encourages me when I cross items off my to-do list. But for days I had avoided addressing these particular items. They involved untangling complicated…
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”—Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) Change is in the air—literally. Here in Virginia the vibrant, colorful leaves have already marked the arrival of autumn. Now as they swirl and…
“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth.”—Isaiah 65:17a (NIV) Sighing with resignation, I deleted the paragraph I had just written. The words just didn’t reflect my idea. Writing can be exhilarating—and frustrating. Sometimes the words flow easily. But most of the time it’s a process of writing, rewriting, and then rewriting some…
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.—1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV) The road sign immediately…
