Reflection based on Matthew 1:24-25. God had called him the “offspring” and “the seed.” The Psalmists called him the Cornerstone, Deliverer and King. The prophet Isaiah called him the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace. All of those names, plus a host of others … [Read more...] about A Remarkable Advent: Day 19
A Strategic Plan for Black Friday and Advent
Thanksgiving is just 2 days away. Which means the biggest shopping day of the year is just 3 days away. For about 50 reasons that I won’t recount here, I’ve never been much of a shopper. I mean I like spending money, and I like getting new things, I like cute clothes, shoes, and good books. But … [Read more...] about A Strategic Plan for Black Friday and Advent
When Thanksgiving Gets Obstructed
Maybe you’ve noticed this phenomenon at your house…you flip the calendar to November, and about a thousand Christmas catalogs rush into your mailbox! Every year it's like someone is aiming a fire hose filled with junk mail right into the mailbox. It kind of gets in the way of all the talk about … [Read more...] about When Thanksgiving Gets Obstructed
Show Up in the Dark, Just like Jesus
Sometimes the world seems scrambled. A lot of the time actually. It’s hard to understand why things happen or why they are allowed to happen. I’m regularly taking refuge in this fact: chaos in the world does not mean Christ is not at work. We’re just one calendar flip away from Christmas, and … [Read more...] about Show Up in the Dark, Just like Jesus
Where to Find Relief from a Noisy Election Cycle
The first election cycle I remember paying attention to is only memorable to me because of the fear I had as I watched the results roll in. The votes were tipped toward the candidate that wasn’t “our guy.” And “we” lost. I had listened to radio broadcast, news reports, and the adults in my life … [Read more...] about Where to Find Relief from a Noisy Election Cycle
When Trick or Treaters Make You Think of Jesus
Before pinterest I had to come up with kid costumes on my own. And since visual design isn't one of my strong suits, I came up with exactly one costume. All three of my boys wore it for the year or two that it fit. Only every year, it seemed at least one of them had a fever or some version of the … [Read more...] about When Trick or Treaters Make You Think of Jesus