decorative treble clef on bright gift boxes on white background

A “happy Birthday song” as I suffer on Christmas Day

The beautiful familiar story seems unique when we’re suffering. Those shepherds must have been cold. Lonely. Maybe they were tired of caregiving. Sick of beating down wolves. Weary of trying to find greener pastures and water, keeping the wandering ones safe, the sick ones sheltered and alive.  And who got Read more

a bible on a wooden surface with pine leaves and christmas lights

Promise of peace as we suffer at Christmas

How silently, how silently,the wondrous gift is given!So God imparts to human heartsthe blessings of his heaven.No ear may hear his coming,but in this world of sin,where meek souls will receive him still,the dear Christ enters in. (“O little town of Bethlehem,” Brooks, P., 1868) Father, Because I have been Read more

selective focus photography of pine tree with snow flakes

A lament of suffering at Christmas, into Love

God rest you merry, gentlemen,let nothing you dismay…Oh tidings of comfort and joy! (“God rest you merry, gentlemen,” p.d.) Yes, we’ve begun the Christmas season with all its “tidings of comfort and joy.” But are you suffering this year, as I am? Does this feel impossible to sing? Is your Read more

green trees

Help me to see Jesus this Christmas, promised from eternal years

See the tender Lamb, promised from eternal years. This week’s hymn beckons us to see Jesus, the promised Savior and Messiah. It reminds us of our own redemption, through this tender Lamb. Beloved in Christ, let’s remember God’s glorious love story toward us, for so many of His promises have Read more

woman hand holding heart

Clinging to God’s promises, safe in the arms of Jesus

Father, within Your glorious love story to Your people, Your eternal covenant promises are now fulfilled in Jesus Christ, through the “new covenant” in His blood. You gave these promises throughout the Old Testament, and You’ve fulfilled so many of them already. By Your Spirit’s work,3 I treasure Your promise Read more

aerial photography of mountains

God always keeps His promises! He is a promise-keeper!

Have you read the story of God’s covenant promise to Abraham lately? God is a promise-keeper!! In our own years of waiting, let’s come to Him with our tearful longings, while nestling deep in His truth, in humbled awe and peace.  Remember? Long ago, God made a covenant promise. First, Read more

eyeglasses and cross on an open book

Praying God’s great and precious promises into suffering

I woke up at 3 am, writhing in severe pain with a cascade of symptoms within this past year’s ongoing medical treatment. Stumbling to the kitchen, into my agony, fears, loneliness, and darkness, the coffee cup’s Biblical promise made its way through my tears and into my heart.  “The LORD Read more

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