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…

photo of angel figurine standing on garland

Praising Jesus Christ, even as we suffer at Christmas

As we suffer this Christmas, let’s remember what is true, sister in Christ. Will you join me as I interrupt my suffering with praise to Jesus?  I call it a “praise interruption,” turning around to praise our Lord, within our lament over all that is painful. Like the lament Psalms, Read more…

nativity scene table decor

She Was Missing Christmas, the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Do you feel like you’re “missing Christmas” right now? Are you fearing you might be “missing Christmas” this year?  Is someone you love no longer with us on earth and so you’re missing your loved one, dreading Christmas day? Are your emotions so numb to Christmas that you just wish Read more…

assorted gift boxes on red surface

Trusting in God’s timing at Christmas

Lord, I’m constantly waiting as I suffer. Thing is…do I trust Your timing? Your people were waiting. The last words they’d heard from You in Malachi had been 400 years before, roughly twenty generations. They doubted Your love, couldn’t see their own sin, wondered why You weren’t intervening in injustices, Read more…

star shaped christmas lights

Peace in suffering at Christmas…in the gospel of Christ

We’ve flipped the calendar and here we are, entering Advent. So, we begin to sing the old familiar hymn… Hark! the herald angels sing,“Glory to the newborn King!” (“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” Wesley, C., 1739) “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Lk. Read more…

macro shot photography of tea candles

Abiding in the Joy and Love of Jesus at Christmas

As we celebrate Jesus’ first coming this Christmas, we’re celebrating love. Love incarnated! The Lord of heaven and earth became human.  Yes, He was born to die for us. What an undeserved and gracious gift of His love for sinners like you and me. It’s astounding. Lately, I’ve also been Read more…

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