Christmas Timing

Trading a Surprise for HopeI’ve written previously (here, here, and here) about our dear friend Elizabeth, her sweet young son John, and the struggles they face as they reestablish themselves in a distant state. As Christmas approached, Rich and I discussed our gifts to them. We decided to send a few small items for Elizabeth […]


Good News of Great Joy!

Wishing you and yours peace, hope, joy, and love this Christmas and always. The Birth of Jesus 1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone […]


Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

All I Need to Know about Worship I Learned from Christmas CarolsI love Christmas music. Many of the cherished songs of the season include lyrics that describe worship. Here’s my list of favorite Christmas carol worship instructions. I’ve italicized the verbs–those good old action words: Fall on your knees! (“O Holy Night”) Remember, Christ, our […]


More Christmas Scripture

700 Years Before Christ’s Birth (or Thereabouts)I love the Old Testament verses that foretell the gift of the baby Jesus. They remind me of the miracle of God’s perfect gift to us. 6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;And the government will rest on His shoulders;And […]


Good News!

How Jesus Came to EarthMore on the miracle: 18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary hadbeen betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be withchild by the Holy Spirit. 19And Joseph her husband, being a righteousman and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send […]