Fourteen years ago the “Holiday Season” took on a new meaning for me. I visited Bethlehem just before Christmas in 2003 to participate in a Global Peace rally called, “Heart to Heart for Peace in the Middle East”. Ever since then I’ve thought differently about Jesus’ birth, life and death. The passing on of cultural traditions has […]
Christian or not, we are all familiar with the Biblical story of the birth of Jesus. One of the most well-known Christmas stories is the journey of the three Kings. These three Wise Men came to offer gifts to the baby Jesus. The Magi, as they were known, were astrologers who combed the night skies […]
I love the song “O, Holy Night.” Its lyrics are so reflective. The line “Until He appeared, and the soul felt it’s worth” jump out at me. It’s easy with all the chaos that the trimmings of Christmas bring, to forget what the Holiday means. The birth of Christ is a big deal because his […]
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth! Long lay the world in sin and error pining Till he appear’d and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn! Fall on your knees […]
Do you ever feel like Charlie Brown? In the midst of the Christmas decorations that have been up since Halloween, the Christmas songs stuck in your head, the lights and shopping and cookies and parties—do you ever want to just stand up like Charlie Brown and shout in exasperation, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what […]
Each holiday we have the opportunity to receive something. This Christmas I hope you can receive a special gift – not from Kay Jewelers or some other store, but from God. I think that is the gift we would all be most excited to receive. When I think of Christmas there are clearly 2 types […]
Christmas is often seen as synonymous with miracles despite the fact that we live in culture that is more likely to worship at the feet of science than religion. Often the believers among us feel out of step with a culture that prefers the shimmer of the material world. But still we long for miracles […]
At Christmas, what is love if not sacrifice? True story. I sold my beautiful heirloom mahogany and glass display case to get enough money to buy Taeko an exquisite mother-of-pearl safety guard for her chainsaw. She opened her gift and began to smile while weeping softly at the same time. “What’s the matter, honey?” I […]
I know this is a movie cliché, but I have a plan to save Christmas. It’s the only holiday that always seems to need saving. And I worry that I may be part grinch by now. Not completely sure at this point, but I am getting pretty disgusted with the way Christmas is being done. […]
