Tag Archives: christmas

Embracing Eternal Joy: Faith and the Christmas Story

The third week of Advent brings the focus on joy. The pink candle represents joy the shepherds experienced when angels announced our Saviors birth. But the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been bornContinue reading “Embracing Eternal Joy: Faith and the Christmas Story”

Embracing Peace in This Advent Season

For to us a child is born,    to us a son is given,    and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be called    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 Week two of Advent brings the focus on peace. If you are lighting Advent candles, you will light the purple Bethlehem candle. It signifies peace, preparation, andContinue reading “Embracing Peace in This Advent Season”

Splendor and Majesty ~ Let Heaven and Nature Sing

Listen for the wind blowing the leaves of a tree. Be silent and eavesdrop on the bird’s song. Sit still and hear the river’s current splashing over rocks or the quick splash of the fish jumping out of the water. Listen to the waves crash on the shore. Take time to enjoy the laugh of a baby who sees and elephant for the first time. 

What Are You Doing to Prepare for Advent?

I celebrated Christmas. It was a meaningful time of celebrating Christ’s birth with family and friends. I love the music, the time sitting in my home with just the fireplace and the Christmas tree to light and give warmth. But the idea of “preparing for Advent” escaped me. 

Grandmas, Cranberries & Cinnamon Rolls

I was very blessed to have both of my grandmothers well into adulthood. They were as different as could be, but their love of Jesus and their families united them like sisters. I don’t remember my tiny little Gram B ever singing. I don’t remember robust Grama Sandy ever NOT singing (My secret dream is to be able to sing as beautifully as her).

Receiving the Gift

Luke 21:1-4 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out ofContinue reading “Receiving the Gift”