Sleep in heavenly peace: an illusive goal, even for believers
We find ourselves rushing through Scripture readings, Advent devotionals, and prayer as we frantically try to get gifts purchased, food prepared, parties attended, and work finished. And we just can’t seem to find enough time to sleep.
From a minor prophet, it is a challenge fit even at Christmastime
We may think of repentance as a subject for Lent more than Advent. But a second look helps us to think again.
O come, let us press on now with worship and service of Jesus!
“Let us press on to know the Lord.”
Peace, the promise of Christmas, comes through relationships
When we have a right relationship with God through Christ, then his peace fills us and makes it possible for us to bring peace to others.
‘Love not the world’—even in the gift-giving month of December?
“For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. “
Our experience of Christmas can go beyond our physical senses
Decorating for Christmas is usually a sensory experience. Christ’s first coming involved all the senses, too.
We celebrate as always, but sometimes with a longing for what’s next
Most of us have trouble waiting, especially for Christmas. Even more challenging is our wait for the second advent of Jesus.
At Advent we look back, but the greater joy is in looking ahead
Advent includes some looking back at the promises and prophecies of God. But Advent also always prompts us to wait and to hope for something yet to be revealed.
Whether or not your tree is down, God’s offer to you remains
Some find any celebration of Jesus as little more than an irritant. But for us who believe, Christmas is only the beginning of his offer to us.
Two verses, important direction, perfect perspective as we celebrate
There is one familiar passage in Micah that always appears in Advent and Christmas celebrations. There is a second one in Micah that I would suggest we also consider during our Advent preparations.
Three gifts, two groups of seekers, one question for us today
Our focus this Advent should raise the question anew: Whom do we seek as we approach Christmas?
Like those who saw him first, we also want to see him face-to-face
Only few saw the newborn King face-to-face, but his prayer is that one day all of us will see him and know God’s glory.
What is your mood this Christmastime? And what would improve it?
There always seems to be a frenetic pace in December. Everything we were doing the first 11 months of the year continues, but December adds a significant amount of extras.
Beyond organic: bearing pure fruit that attracts others to its source
We need not debate about organic farming when we come to Christ’s command to bear fruit by staying connected to the true vine.
Ready for life and preparing for death—glimpses of why he came
With Christmas rapidly approaching, we may find ourselves making a mistake similar to the one the disciples made in the Upper Room.
What you may need most when you face your own ‘Daniel moment’
Daniel wouldn't have labeled his situation a Daniel moment. I imagine he believed it was simply a crossroads in a series of them where faith and obedience were his best options. They’re usually ours, too.
Deciding what to keep—it can be a challenge at Christmastime, too
As we begin the Advent season, I am considering the idea of what we keep as essential in our lives and in our celebrations.