You must admit that God chooses some unexpected places to show up. Bethlehem might have seemed unpromising enough; but in the stable of the local Inn? No one would have guessed that. Then there was the continuation of Ruth’s life and the ancestral line of the Messiah; the place for her to meet her husband…
Give the Gift of Peace
On Day 11 We are midway through the week’s emphasis on peace. Is it a matter of feeling peaceful or making peace? We aim for both, although they may not coincide as often as we wish. It is like that line “Why can’t we all just get along?” We wish for peacefulness for ourselves without…
God Is A Giver
Much of the message we hear during Christmas is that of giving and receiving. It is everywhere, and put to all sorts of purposes. Human beings are crafty like that… turning things to their advantage. Used for merchandizing, fundraising, and charitable giving and everything in between. The message can appeal to both our best and…
Acts of Peace in a Warring World
When faced with a world full of warring factions we either become inured and turn a blind eye and deaf ear, or we despair at the frivolity of daily life, especially the festivities of life. How can we endure the pain of a hurting world, and then join in jolly food and fun? It seems…
Candle of Preparation and Peace
Thoughts We begin the second week of Advent. It is appropriate to allow our thoughts to meditate on the message of peace, which is central to God’s reconciliation with rebellious mankind. We are so determined to go our own way, even when we desire to do good. This is obvious in the many mistakes we…
Favorite Things of Christmas
What are some of your favorite things of Christmas celebrations? Do those things connect you closer to God or family in some way? While I love many things about Christmas, it is really the Christmas story, especially as told in the Gospel of Luke . that holds all together with beauty and meaning. Today is…
Think on These Things
Today’s Meditation Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. The season is in full swing, and we are admonished…
Expectation, Hope, Prophecy
From our first year of advent posts, in 2006, comes the Bible verse for today’s meditation. A favorite for Christmas: Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,…
Comfort and Joy on Day Four
Prophets and Hope This week the theme of hope builds our ideas of experiencing joy. So often prophets are linked with messages of doom, but their words soar with joy when speaking of salvation and comfort. This Christmas we are building a picture of the comfort of the “good tidings of great joy” that the angels…
Clean the Slate for Day Three of Advent
In a sense, every day is a clean slate, but often we carry the debris and dust of past years mistakes or hurts. I don’t know about you, but Christmas season is the culmination of weeks of fall cleaning and preparations for going into a new year. I am always hoping to have the house…
