Posts from December 2017
PEACE IN THE DARKNESS
With the holiday falling at the end of our calendar, we naturally feel Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as a culmination. Yet Christmas was never meant to be the end. We live in a post-Christmas world, but we must never be “over” Christmas, and the dividing line it puts in history: a starting line and a new beginning. The birth of Christ marks the beginning of a new life, and a new kind of life. It’s a life where peace…
Advent Devotional 4 – Peace in the Questions
“HOW CAN THIS BE?” MARY ASKS. – LUKE 1:34 “WHERE IS THE ONE WHO WAS BORN THE KING OF THE JEWS?” THE WISE MEN INQUIRE. – MATTHEW 2:2 Even in our noisy, busy world, Christmas seems to close the gap between the daily grind and the divine. Christmas gives us permission to hope for big things (and not just a box under the tree!). It tugs at our hearts and whispers—sometimes shouts—about beauty, and forgiveness, and restoration. But still we…
Advent Devotional 3 – Peace in the Unexpected
The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.” -Luke 1:28-30 The story of Jesus’ coming is filled with men and women who are caught off-guard by the unexpected, personal attention of God. God is pleased with you,…
Advent Devotional 2 – Peace in the Heartache
Are the holidays weighing you down? Despite last year’s vows that “next year will be different,” many of us enter December feeling the burden of expectations. This year, we’ll have everything done early. This year, everyone will get along. We’ll spend less money. All of the lights will work. We will find the magic even if it wrecks us. We approach Christmas with heavy expectations for ourselves—and the imperfect people with whom we celebrate. Come to me, all you who…