Change in our lives affects how we celebrate holidays. Why does change have such an effect on us? Whether our change is caused by a move, a job change, or a loss of some kind, change can usher in grief. And grief can tear a big empty hole in our hearts that makes it difficult to do what we’ve always …
Bite of Bread: The Gift of Grace
Tis the season to give gifts. We shop till we drop, spend until the budget is empty, and stay up late wrapping our treasures. We stand in lines at the post office, Walmart, and the grocery. We grow tired and weary, and I admit that there have been days when my patience has worn thin with people. I’ve tried to …
The Cost of the Call: A Lesson of Faith at Christmas
Why do we believe that if God calls us to something, it will be smooth sailing, wonderful, and great? Why do we begin to doubt God when we step out in faith, and it doesn’t turn out as we planned, or as we thought we heard? Why are we so easily discouraged? Discouragement is sneaky. He loves to slither his …
Why was the Baby Jesus Wrapped in Cloths?
It was called the “tower of the flock”. It’s Hebrew name, Migdal Edar, was a place highly esteemed in Jewish tradition because Jacob moved his flocks there after he buried his dear Rachel who died in childbirth. Rachel was buried in Bethlehem. Migdal Edar was on the edge of the town. Jerusalem sat only a few miles away. Migdal Edar had been built generations earlier …
Bite of Bread: Prophecies Fulfilled
Can you imagine that dark night? Perhaps the silence was deafening the moment He entered the world. Creation held its breath awaiting the Son of God to take His first gasp of air. As His lungs filled, the shrill cry of the Baby-King announced His arrival, and the universe sighed relief–perhaps Joseph and Mary did too. Hope had taken …