Thanks! More Stories About Christmas

Thank you for sharing such wonderful stories about Christmas.  Perhaps there are other stories you would like to share.
 Let me prime the pump with a story of my own.  Starting out as pastor and wife in a small country church while I was still in seminary, we knew the meaning of the term “poor as [...]

Telling Our Christmas Stories

This week I am with my mother as she recovers from hip surgery. Mom is doing well. It is a shame, but the only time I get to spend extended time with my parents is when they are ill. Living away from home as a pastor means that I don’t get home [...]

Saturday, Dec. 15 — The Joy of Family

Rainy days may be dreary but today’s rain has been a joy for me. The rain has eased my allergies and asthma. Our youngest daughter Stoya is home and has blessed me with a day of watching ball games and movies. Tonight we are going to a play together. It is [...]

Thursday, Dec. 13 — Joy as Strength

Have you heard the verse, “the joy of the LORD is your strength“?  Do you know where it comes from, or why it was said?
It is found in the book of Nehemiah.  Nehemiah is the story of the Israelite who in exile won favor with King Artaxerxes as his cupbearer and was appointed governor of Jerusalem.  [...]

Monday, Dec. 10 — Joy to the World

This year my favorite Christmas song is Joy to the World.  Some years other carols may speak more to me, but most years Joy to the World is my favorite.  I like the message:
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven [...]

Saturday, Dec. 8 — Business, Rest and Worship

It is Saturday!  Today is a day of rest — from the things done other days.  If your Saturday is planned like mine, it will be a day of family activities and things you cannot get done during the week.
A day of rest.  What does that mean?  Sleeping in?  Crashing and watching football and basketball?  [...]

Friday, Dec. 7 — “Whew!”

“Whew!”  (The sound of a strong exhale of breath.)
Do you ever feel that life is just too busy?  Work, family, community projects, church — all are good, but “Whew!” it takes our breath sometimes.
Can you believe that this Sunday is already the second Sunday in Advent?  This Saturday and Sunday evenings our church choir is [...]

Thursday, Dec. 6 — Forgiveness in Christ-like Living

In a chapter dealing with healthy Christian living, Paul says in Colossians 3:12-14:
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.
Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  
And over all these virtues [...]