Bethany McIlrath

First and Second: Perspective On What Matters Most (Matthew 22:36-40)

Tag: god

  • Out of Excuses

    Out of Excuses

    “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin.” –John 15:22 Many religions offer gods to admire and follow: Christianity alone offers a Savior. And with our Savior, the truth that we need to be saved. Regardless of our…

  • 23. BEHOLD: The Abundance

    23. BEHOLD: The Abundance

    How many lights have you seen in the past few weeks? How many cookies have you eaten? Are there people in your life that you’ve seen, cared for, and appreciated lately? What a blessing. What a gift. Is Christ in your life? Does the Lord ever provide for you? Are there moments when the Lord’s…

  • 22. BEHOLD: The Settling

    22. BEHOLD: The Settling

    Settle down. These are words children hear as they leap around the house in anticipation of presents, cookies, parties, and celebrating. They are also words many of us adults need to hear. Settle down. Take a rest. Be at peace. Don’t rush so much. More than that, though: be settled in your soul with the…

  • 21. BEHOLD: The Unifier

    21. BEHOLD: The Unifier

    Treaties are signed, even temporarily, for Christmas. In families and between countries, the agreement to live in peace for even just a short time is often made for the holidays. People step out of their normal routines, paying more attention to the needy and giving more than any other time of the year. At Christmas,…

  • 20. BEHOLD: The Song

    20. BEHOLD: The Song

    Do you hear what I hear? Hark the herald angels sing! Unto us a child is born. In that little town of Bethlehem. On a cold winter’s night that was so deep, it came upon a midnight clear. Oh, Holy night! All is calm, all is bright. On Mary’s lap He is sleeping. Down in…

  • 19. BEHOLD: The Coming

    19. BEHOLD: The Coming

    Places to go, people to see. We’re on the run, dashing through the (snow? Please?) At the time of Christ’s coming, it seems we’re all going somewhere. Do you know the feeling? As you grab your keys and try to balance your stuff in hand while you scramble out the door, the sense of going…

  • 18. BEHOLD: The Re-arranger

    18. BEHOLD: The Re-arranger

    There are certain things required, in many people’s minds, to build the perfect Christmas. From the tree to the gifts to the food to the company, every piece fits just so to create beloved traditions and memories. To make it all fit, couches get pushed back. Coat racks get cleared off the rack. Space is…

  • 17. BEHOLD: The Surprise

    17. BEHOLD: The Surprise

    Shh, it’s a surprise. That’s what we say when we pick out unexpected gifts and tell others about them before Christmas day. On Christmas morning, we want our loved ones to open their gifts and light up with delight over the surprises inside. We make goodies for friends and randomly bring cookies to work, just…

  • 16. BEHOLD: The Light of the World

    16. BEHOLD: The Light of the World

    These photos are from Longwood Gardens (visit if ever you get the chance!) The Christmas display at Longwood is gorgeous. At night, it’s mind-blowing. There are lights everywhere. Half a million light strands, actually. As you walk around, the whole property is dark. Acres and acres of pitch black. There are no street lamps to…

  • 15. BEHOLD: The Calm

    15. BEHOLD: The Calm

    Crazy days. Crazy illnesses, crazy injuries. Crazy times with students. Crazy plans to keep up with. Crazy lots to get done. Crazy excitement ahead. Everything is crazy these days. Has anyone else hit that point yet? Regardless of the careful planning ahead, Christmas always seem to come with craziness. It must have during the first…