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Christmas Eve 2015
We need to rejoice in the gift of the moment and not keep wishing for something else.
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The great longing of Christmas
Advent creates longing. The Scripture reading all season reflects on longing. I love the celebration of Christmas, but I also love the stirring this season’s readings create in my heart. A few weeks ago I walked into a colleague’s office and started with, “I’ve heard a rumor…” His ears perked up, but he was cautious because he is not a…
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The chaos of Christmas
One of my “unfavorite” Christmas carols is “Away in a Manger.” That line “no crying he makes” is just too much. He was a baby. An animal makes a noise while he sleeps, crying he makes. There are those subtle reminders in our lives where we need our nice, neat Christmas pictures blown up from time to time. A scared young…
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My Christmas Wish List
I don’t get asked a lot, but every once in awhile someone will ask what I want for Christmas. This year I’ve said the same thing: World Peace. I just don’t have a Christmas wish list. My life is full. My family is doing well. My wife and I are having a great time as we watch our sons mature.…
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Resting in the presence of Jesus
I attended a college Christmas choral concert last Sunday. It was a time of rest for my spirit. This particular song from the 18th Century (music is more contemporary, by Elizabeth Poston) gave my soul rest and worship: Jesus Christ the Apple Tree 1. The tree of life my soul hath seen, Laden with fruit and always green: The trees…
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Experts everywhere
If I need to know more about something, I’m so grateful for the experts I find on social media. Hundreds of millions of experts on: — The football championship — St. Nick — Grand juries — Race relations — Proper chokeholds — Reconciliation — Sound biblical exegesis Is this a great day to be alive or what?
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Glory to God in the highest
The tree lights are on. The first pot of coffee is made and the first cup is poured. Sidewalks are shoveled from the light snowfall we had last night. The turkey has been in the oven cooking oh, so, slowly. Ready to feast on later today. But everyone is still asleep and in this quiet, with things a little more…
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Christmas Cheer
Simple idea #278 for Christmas (I don’t have 277 previous ones): Christ is BORN. Light has come into the world. Darkness has not overcome it… ever. And won’t. No matter what is going on in the world and in your world right now, here is the simple idea: Sit back. Get some coffee on, or tea, or other favorite beverage.…
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When Jesus comes
51 He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations. 52 He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty-handed. (Luke 1:51-31) What is always profound to me is the humility of Christ’s coming. It is always…
Tag: Christmas
