The holiday season is over. The tree is down, the lights are off, and the decorations are packed. But what do we do with the Christ child? Do we wrap him in bubble wrap and place him in storage until next December? If we do, then we’ve missed the whole point of Christmas. EveryContinue reading “Putting Away the Decorations”
Category Archives: Christian devotion
The Ice Storm
A few years ago, the worst ice storm in decades hit my town. Over three quarters of an inch of ice coated the area, downing power lines and plunging more than 60,000 homes and businesses into darkness. The icy outdoors created a surreal fantasy world, with homes, grass, trees, streets, and mailboxes painted with aContinue reading “The Ice Storm”
New Year’s Resolutions
New Year’s Resolutions Many of us make New Year’s resolutions every year. We resolve to lose weight, eat healthier, exercise more, keep our house and office clean, and be kinder to family and friends. People make all different types of resolutions, intending to keep them. How often do you keep your resolutions? How often doContinue reading “New Year’s Resolutions”
The Sun’s Warmth
I love to feel the sun shining on my face. Its rays soak into my skin, leaving me warm, mellow, and comfortable. In the sunshine my spirits lift, energizing me for the day’s tasks. On a cloudy, wintry day, the chill penetrates my body, leaving me cold and shivering. The sunless, gray sky reflects myContinue reading “The Sun’s Warmth”
Hear the Crying
Imagine if you will, Christmas day more than 2000 years ago in the town of Bethlehem. Jesus is born. Do you feel the crisp morning air? Do you smell the animals and the hay? Listen. Do you hear the newborn crying? Can you see Mary, seated on the floor of the stable, holding her tinyContinue reading “Hear the Crying”
Wrestling Redemption
Wrestling Redemption A former student of mine was an extremely talented wrestler. As a freshman, he placed second in his state school wrestling tournament. He was very pleased and proud of himself, and, like many young athletes, it went to his head. He became arrogant. During practice his sophomore year, he was unwilling to listenContinue reading “Wrestling Redemption”
Compassion
Zechariah 7:9 “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’” Often we study the bible in passages, or stories that are sectioned off by the editors. This sectioning is helpful to the reader, and helps to identify separate incidents and unify them in the readers’ minds. Continue reading “Compassion”
Dropping the Stones
Dropping the Stones Caught in the act, they dragged her into the temple courts. Head down, hands trembling, she avoided the eyes of the angry men surrounding her. The men couldn’t wait to pass judgment on her. Their faces turned hard as the stones they longed to throw. After all, that was God’s law. ButContinue reading “Dropping the Stones”
First Kiss
First Kiss Frost has kissed the forest. Leaves and grasses have succumbed to its deadly touch. Yellow and brown leaves flutter from the trees. The stream is littered with autumn’s golden snowfall. As I wander off the soft, sandy trail, my feet crunch noisily through the leafy debris. Looking up, I see trees lifting dark,Continue reading “First Kiss”
The Stagnant Pond
The Stagnant Pond All is still. Cars scurry by on nearby 13th street, rushing off to their various destinations. Sitting here at the park, I hear the distant laughter of children playing. A basketball bounces off the cement court; the clang as it hits the backboard echoes across the grass. A Cessna drones, far overhead.Continue reading “The Stagnant Pond”
Growing Our Faith Together 