by Peter Cress
We know the story of Lazarus, the friend Jesus raised from the dead. Because it comes near the end of Jesus’ ministry, and involves death and resurrection, we usually associate it with Easter, not Christmas. But, like Advent, uncomfortable waiting is central to this...
by Ruth Burke
From outward appearances, the conditions of the First Advent fell a little short of ideal. Peace was the last thing on the minds of the populace. After all, Israel had languished for over 400 years without a prophetic voice of peace. They simmered angrily under the boot of a foreign colonizer, and there was no peace in sight. …
by Betty J. Champlin
One of my greatest joys of the Christmas season is hearing and singing Christmas Carols. I think of the many carols and songs that express the Joys of Christmas: “Ode to Joy,” also known as “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” (melody by Ludwig van Beethoven and words by...
by Virginia Minder
Joy, that illusive sentiment that seems absent from deceptive advertising, shallow world leaders, and the hounding social media. The most irksome of the three is how much time is wasted on being a part of phone “communication” that’s labeled Twitter, Facebook,...
by Vaughn Nelson
Patience is a virtue, we’re taught. Good things come to those who wait. But waiting isn’t easy. I learned this when I was nine years old. My parents were ahead of the game that year, and had our presents wrapped and under the Christmas tree soon after Thanksgiving....
