Category: Finding Contentment Series
-
(Could It Be A) Silent Night
Christmas cheer tends to be a cacophony. Joy is often boisterous; excitement and anticipation tend to cause exuberance. It’s during this season that we often blast the carols and sing along. We like to sit down and recite our favorite lines, laugh without reservation during classic Christmas movies. Parties are consumed by chatter. And the…
-
O Come All Ye Frustrated
In just a few weeks, someone or other will ask us: “how was your Christmas?” Chances are our answers won’t include words like “perfect” or “flawless.” It’s just a fact that Christmas celebrations tend to carry with them mistakes and messes. Something unexpected happens. Some gifts don’t arrive on time. Someone isn’t satisfied. The first…
-
O Come Next Year Immanuel
“At that time Mary got ready and hurried…” –Luke 1:39 Now that’s a line in the Biblical Christmas account we can relate to! Get ready. Hurry. There was even an element of “hurry up and wait.” Mary was off to visit 6-months pregnant (once barren) Elizabeth. Mary remained there with her 3 months, presumably waiting…
-
O Little Town of Mayhem
It seems Bethlehem was busy the night Jesus was born. Many people were traveling for the census, so Joseph and Mary found no traditional lodging. We can identify with that element of the Christmas story. This season often feels overwhelming, busy, and too full. But in the midst of the mayhem on that starry night…
-
It’s Almost The (Maybe) Wonderful Time of the Year
Soon the roasted turkey will be packed away for future meals. The pie dishes will be rinsed clean. It often seems that all those thanks are then simply swept away as we hurry to get ready for Jesus coming. We are a people of “next things.” In our present time, the end of Thanksgiving seems…