Most of us have certain expectations when it comes to Christmas: joyous celebrations, lavish giving, magazine-worthy food and decor, and large family gatherings filled with light hearts, love, and laughter. Essentially, we want nothing short of perfection. But for many, this isn’t the reality of the …
Advent
Good News, Great Joy
Read: Luke 2:8-20, Isaiah 35:1-10, 1 Peter 1:6-9, Romans 5:1-11 The parched ground will become a pool, and springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land. Marsh grass and reeds and rushes will flourish where desert jackals once lived. And a great road will go through that once deserted land... …
A Season of Preparation
One of the things I love about Christmas is that seasonal anticipation increases along with seasonal preparation. We pull out the lights and the tree and we decorate our homes for the season. We bake the goodies reserved for this time of year. We buy gifts for family and friends as a special display …
A Season for Waiting
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. Micah 7:7 Wait! That’s almost a curse word in our day. In fact, we’ll do almost anything to avoid it. I’ve driven ten minutes out of my way, so I don’t have to sit for five minutes at the railroad crossing …
It’s Only a Matter of Time
I bet you’ve heard this phrase—you’ve probably even used it. It’s only a matter of time. It’s a common idiom we use to say that an outcome is inevitable. It will happen. Maybe we don’t know when exactly, but it’s certain. It’s not a matter of if, but when. I’ve spoken this phrase to my kids as an …