This Christmas will be a quiet one. As the youngest of five, I’m used to a gloriously hectic holiday and tend to crave the unquiet of tons of loved ones packed under one roof. But, this year I have the privilege of spending the day with just my husband, and our trusty dog, on this beautiful island in the middle of the Pacific.
In a most timely fashion, I just had a conversation with a beloved cousin who said,…
Today, I’ve been thinking about the wise men who traveled far and wide to bring gifts to baby Jesus. These men, sometimes called magi and sometimes called kings but never specified as only three in number, traveled from the east, probably Persia or Babylonia, and most likely belonged to a caste of priests who were well-versed in astronomy and astrology. To me, they are the quintessential story…
As Christmas hymns would go, “O Little Town of Bethlehem” is one that, to me, best evokes childlike peace and beautifully paints the scene of the night Jesus was born. Perhaps this is because the song’s writer, Episcopal priest Phillips Brooks, was inspired by a peace he experienced after a time of turmoil and this contrast contributed to the gravity of his message. Let’s take a closer look at the historical context in which this hymn found it’s genesis.…
Christmastime is here. In the midst of the magic, there is almost inevitably chaos, but this year I want to purpose to slow down and soak in the wonder of it all. While scurrying to buy gifts, let’s remember the greatest gift: God chose to send His only son to dwell among us bringing hope, redemption, and a love beyond comprehension. I invite you to celebrate the advent of the nativity of Jesus with me over the next few weeks through a variety of Christmas stories. Today, I felt inspired to start at the beginning; …
