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Christmas Eve. The main lights go off in the worship center and the last few people leave for home. At this time of night, the huge panels of windows in the church breezeway are like mirrors, and the shining concrete floors form a magical ice rink that reflect the white…
Years ago, I had the opportunity to swim in…well, really…float in the Dead Sea. Its high salt content not only makes you buoyant, but makes for an environment where nothing can live. Why is it so salty and deadly? The Dead Sea has no outflow. Water flows in from higher…
Five years ago, I found myself sitting in a wheelchair, being wheeled down a cold, sterile, fluorescent-lit hospital hallway on the way to receive testing for undiagnosed pain in my body. I was scared and as we turned the corner into another maze-like corridor, I sensed the Lord speaking to…
One of my favorite aspects of Advent is that it is about more than Jesus’s birth. Advent is about anticipation. It recalls the ancient Israelites longing to see their Messiah come, the One who would free them from their oppressors. We reenact that anticipation as we count down the days…
As a teen, traveling the 100-mile stretch of road to my dad’s house to spend Christmas was not how I pictured a joyful holiday. I remember feeling angry and sad, wanting life to return to how it was before my parents’ divorce shattered so many things, including Christmas traditions. My…
It’s almost Christmas and I’m waking up with the question that haunts me every year: Did I do enough? Did I send enough Christmas cards this year? Did I bake enough cookies? Did I pick the right gifts, because it’s too late to change my mind now. And then I…
Though we didn't attend church growing up, I knew the Bible was special. After my parents’ divorce, I would place my Bible under my pillow for protection from nightmares. I'd read Jesus' words in red, though rarely in context. I quoted his words in my high school yearbook: "You will…
Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year! I love the excitement on the faces of my grandkids, the family gatherings, the gift giving, the decorations, the food, and most of all, the reason for the season, celebrating the birth of the Christ child. There is so much…
I caught the scent of incense…and dust…as I stepped through the fortress-like entryway into the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem—built over the cave said to be where Jesus was born. In the dimly lit interior, scaffolding stretched up to mosaics being restored on the stone walls and a trapdoor…
The Christmas season is here. Our homes, workplaces and cities are decorated. We’re going to parties and plays, and listening to Christmas songs while we shop. We are surrounded by messages that tell us how we should feel and “be” in this season. Take a stroll down a Christmas décor…
I grew up in a small town where Christmas lights went up along the streets, the day after Halloween. All the angels and snowmen smiling down, put you in the mood for Christmas. Plus, seeing the garland around the light posts meant it was time to get the Christmas tree…
I think about last year often. Though I try to remember the bright spots first, if I can be honest, I remember the ugly parts the most. The constant uncertainties were overwhelming. People were in pain. I was in pain. I had many conversations with friends where I shared how…
There is something about sports that brings people together. I was 7 years old when I went to my first Major League Baseball game. I remember being in awe of the stadium and the baseball players, the smell of hot dogs, popcorn, and pretzels. That day, I fell in love…
I love lighting my home with candles at Christmastime. There is something about the scent and soft flicker of flame that soothes me. It just makes the mood in the room seem peaceful. The sad part about candles though is that they go out. Like all earthly things, in a…
In biblical times, most people in Israel would have been familiar with the prophecies of the coming Messiah. But here was Mary, a young teenage girl of Nazareth, hearing from a glowing, angelic being that SHE would be the one to bring this life into the world. Not only that,…
Have you ever really experienced peace on earth? Sure, we might have fleeting moments, but finding lasting peace is like chasing the wind. Why is it so evasive in our world? In 2009, I was working in the corporate world, in a very competitive and hostile environment. To say my…
I’ve always wondered why peace is a theme for Christmastime. With all the chaos of family and festivities, Christmas can often feel overwhelming, not so peaceful. Even the Christmas story itself isn’t peaceful. There is nothing serene about childbirth. And when I reflect on the events of Mary and Joseph’s…
Have you ever wondered who you can trust? I experienced that recently while walking through the passing of my father. First of all we had to choose from different treatment options. Later on, we were faced with difficult decisions in the probate process. Throughout this time, I was seeking trustworthy…
Why was Mary afraid when the angel came to her? We depict angels as beautiful, almost LED-lit creatures, dressed in their freshest all-white robes. What’s so scary about that? I mean, if a messenger of God comes to you, shouldn’t you just be filled with faith, hope, and peace? …
Most of us never think twice about breathing. But when my newborn daughter stopped breathing, it was all I could think about. We searched for answers and had dozens of doctor visits, trips to the ER, trial and error with different breathing monitors, but the problem persisted. For seven months,…
I remember when I was at a crossroads, trying to decide whether to continue to work in the corporate world or to follow the call of God on my life and go to seminary. I knew what I wanted, but I was hesitant and felt unqualified. Thankfully God made it…
In the darkest moments, the light shines brighter. During this last year, I imagine we all have experienced some sort of loss. Some have lost peace, a job, a dream, or someone we love. I would argue that some have lost some part of their sanity as well. Recent events…
My grandmother loved Christmas – so much so her artificial tree was up and decorated by October. As we entered her home on Christmas Day, the smell of turkey, green beans and yeast rolls wafted throughout the house while the loveliest Christmas songs played on their record player and perfectly…
My wife and I have experienced times when life didn’t flourish, and when hope didn’t abound. In 2010, our battle with infertility left us with little faith. Peace and joy felt buried somewhere we couldn’t find. So, I can relate to Zechariah in Luke 1. He and his wife, Elizabeth,…
The prophet Isaiah prophesied about John the Baptist preparing people for the ministry of Jesus nearly 700 years before John was born in Israel. It was John the Baptist, later in first-century Palestine, who would call out “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our…
One of my fondest memories growing up was riding in the car to and from my Little League baseball games. At the time, we were living in Florida, so we played year-round. The rides back and forth with my dad and brother were far better than the games themselves. (I…