“You Are Our Peace” by Jen and Caroline Dilts
Psalm 148 “He has raised up a horn for his people … for the people of Israel who are near to him” (Psalm 148:14). Caroline: My sisters and I scramble out of our rooms on Christmas morning, seconds from throwing elbows to get down the stairs first. We rush to our stockings and, with the […]
“Tired of Waiting” by Sanford Beckett
Isaiah 9:1–7 “For a child has been born for us, a son is given to us: authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). How are you with waiting? For our grandchildren, waiting for Christmas so that they can open their presents is […]
“The Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Really?” by Nancy Elizabeth Gillespie
Luke 2:8–20 “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10). Christmas time is hard. Really hard. Whose idea was it to make everything due by the New Year? We have taxes, finals week, important deadlines, and by the end, everyone’s ready for a […]
“The Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Really?” by Nancy Elizabeth Gillespie
Luke 2:8–20 “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10). Christmas time is hard. Really hard. Whose idea was it to make everything due by the New Year? We have taxes, finals week, important deadlines, and by the end, everyone’s ready for a […]
“Hannah’s Prayer of Gratitude” by Larry Kuhlman
1 Samuel 2:1–10 “The Lord … humbles and he exalts” (1 Samuel 2:7). I knew most of the routine. I would be in the church Nativity play. The only question would be which role I would play. My church was small, and I was cast one year as a shepherd, another a wise man, and […]
“Seeking” by Kristin Wooldridge
Jeremiah 29:7–14 Seeking . . . “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ‘I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord, and will bring you back from captivity” (Jeremiah 29:13–13). Smithville Big V. Big V for Big Value. Looking back, it was only big enough for […]