Hope Candle Jeremiah 33:14-16 14 The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will fulfill my gracious promise with the people of Israel and Judah. 15 In those days and at that time, I will raise up a righteous branch from David’s line, who will do what is just and right in the land. 16 In those... Continue Reading →
Tomorrow marks the beginning of the season of Advent, a time of preparation for Christmas and Jesus' coming. Several years ago I wrote an Advent devotional based on various celebrations happening over the course of the next month which have come to be associated with Christmas. I have decided to present that devotional here during... Continue Reading →
Scripture: Jeremiah 33:10-16 10 “This is what the Lord says: ‘You say about this place, “It is a desolate waste, without people or animals.” Yet in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem that are deserted, inhabited by neither people nor animals, there will be heard once more 11 the sounds of joy and gladness,... Continue Reading →
I have little kids, which means this time of year I watch Christmas programs with them and being the relatively strange person I am I cannot help thinking about what these shows are teaching my kids. To many analyzing the philosophy behind kids shows is a laughable, but there are times, and Christmas is often... Continue Reading →
A new study finds that 40% of Americans believe there is a "war on Christmas", specifically that secular, pluralistic, woke, and/or other liberal forces are stealing Christmas from us (news story here). But this line of thinking is simply another avenue of Christian Nationalism that has seeped into the collective conscious of political conservatives. Christmas... Continue Reading →
The last few days have been very hazy outside and I am told that is because of the wildfires burning in the West, and I have no reason to doubt that. It is very sad that since the year 2000 we have seen a uptick in acreage lost due to fire, especially when one considers... Continue Reading →
I recently saw an article which asked the question, "Why are there no modern classic Christmas Songs?" There is one short answer for this question, "Most people have nothing to celebrate". The simple fact is many people do not celebrate Jesus at Christmas and so December 25th has lost its importance. To illustrate my point,... Continue Reading →
Art has a major impact on our lives, whether or not we fully understand or appreciate the art around us. Even the lack of art in our lives can have an impact on how we see the world. At Christmas we turn our homes into works of art as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.... Continue Reading →
There are a few songs that I feel sum up how most Americans approach Christmas and one of those is Eddie Pola & George Wyle’S “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” It's the most wonderful time of the year With the kids jingle belling And everyone telling you be of good cheer It's... Continue Reading →
There are just times in life where I resonate with Charlie Brown, I ask, “Advent is a time of expectation and anticipation, but what am I expecting?” And I hear in response, “Well Christmas …Duh.” I look around and I ask, “Is that what everyone else is expecting?” “Well, yes.” “So, these people burning themselves... Continue Reading →
Squinting in the Light 