Category

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 Prince of Peace For anyone who has seen any of my writing the last five years or so... Read More →

When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh Matthew... Read More →

Love But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and... Read More →

An Un-Christmas-like Idea When the old Christendom spoke of the coming again of the Lord Jesus, it always thought first of all of a great day of judgment. And as un-Christmas-like as this idea may appear to us, it comes from early Christianity and must be taken with utter... Read More →

You Keep Hope Alive And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 (NIV Hope is the word of the day. Advent is all about hope. Hope that our Lord is coming into our world in the... Read More →

Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. James... Read More →

Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. Matthew 24:44 On November 30, 2021, I sat down at the organ bench at St. Sebastian Parish in Akron Ohio to kick off the year’s Advent Adoration organ recital series. In the span of about twenty... Read More →

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1:14 Five years ago I flew from Baltimore to Costa Rica with my son and his family to spend Christmas in a beautiful place and for Brad to recuperate from a hectic holiday season of singing. The family compound we stayed... Read More →

Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. James... Read More →

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a Son, and they will call him Immanuel – which means “God with us.” Matthew 1:23 My husband and I recently sold our home of 20 plus years in Pennsylvania and moved to Kent to be closer to family. Leaving friends and neighbors,... Read More →

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. Philippians 4:6 Ask and it will be given to you. Matthew 7:7 I thank God and praise Him, for I have lots to be thankful for in my life. My God My sister,... Read More →

Fear Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart…the Lord is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more. Zephaniah 3:14–20 During these difficult times, I have been afraid. Many of us have been afraid. Things happened in our world that... Read More →

The Lord of All Truth Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5–6 Sometimes, events happen in our life that just don’t make sense. We may think we have our lives... Read More →

Be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds alert when he comes. Luke 12:36–37 On Thanksgiving morning, right about 10:00... Read More →

King of Our Hearts May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him.For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. Psalm 72:11–12 (NIV) I have always loved advent and the advent wreath. As a child growing up in a faith filled home of a... Read More →

The Light of God The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;Those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.For a child has been born for us, a son given to us;Authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,... Read More →

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:2–3 These past several years have been challenging for all of us. Political... Read More →

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and... Read More →

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:36–40 When our outstanding Bishop was here a few weeks... Read More →

For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light. Luke 1:31 The mother and her little boy sat looking at the nativity they had just finished putting up on the table. They talked about each of the characters in the story of Jesus’ birth and... Read More →

Why Was He Named Jesus? . . . and you shall call him Jesus. Luke 1:31 At Christmas time, it is common to rejoice over many details surrounding the birth and infancy of Jesus, but I have never heard any celebration over the fact that the angel Gabriel told his mother Mary, “You... Read More →

And all who heard it were amazed…. Luke 2:18 Why would not the folks listening to the good news from a manger be “amazed”? These shepherd guys were nobodies! They held an unheralded place in the social strata of Israel. Who knows if they were even “religious”? I doubt if there... Read More →

Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it until it receives the early and the late rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.... Read More →

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I Thessalonians 5:16–18 During the holiday season, there are many reasons to be thankful. Family gatherings are encouraged, food is shared, gifts are... Read More →

The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it. John 1:5 Advent is a season of light. And like the shepherds, and the wise men, and the people of long ago we are searching for that light. Especially over the last two years of dealing with the fears, and... Read More →

Hope Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 (NIV) I like to describe myself as a realist – not a negative person, but also not one of those delightfully cheerful persons brimming with positive vibe... Read More →

Giving to Those in Need Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, “Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land.” Deuteronomy 15:11 During the time of Advent, it is important to remember that all blessings... Read More →

What is Advent? Advent—from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming”—is the church season comprising four weeks prior to Christmas. For centuries, Christians have used this period to reflect about the promise to ancient Israel of the coming of the Messiah, and to become open to... Read More →