Saturday, December 12Philippians 4:1-9I’m a cynic by nature. Or maybe I have become one over time. That’s probably the actual truth. I’ll get to that later.We are struggling and trying to navigate a world where everyone is out for themselves and/or their own values, disregarding the cares and needs of others. “I’m right, you’re wrong, and now we can no longer be in right relationship.”Frankly, tha...  Read More

Friday, December 11Ephesians 2:11-15, 4:1-3, 4:29-32This Christmas season undoubtedly looks different. At a time that is usually marked by holiday parties, rushed shopping and a general atmosphere of hurriedness, we are instead sheltering in place.Earlier this fall I felt a sense of dread for what Christmas might look like this year. I feared the loneliness of experiencing the holiday without my p...  Read More

Thursday, December 10Colossians 1:19-23We are told early in the book of Genesis that every person is tselem demuth, a Hebrew phrase which suggests something pretty mysterious. According to these ancient words, every person ever created is carved in the image and likeness of the God who has made them. Again, every person. Even in our beginnings, God weaves all of us for harmony. Now, this isn’t a t...  Read More

Wednesday, December 9Luke 2:9-15When I was a child, I read the Christmas story out of my Precious Moments™ Bible, and it was beautifully illustrated with those childlike figures portraying an idyllic nativity scene with plenty of adorable baby animals. I imagined a quiet, peaceful, and joyful scene as beautiful angels delivered the good news of the Savior’s birth to a sleepy world below.Of course,...  Read More

Tuesday, December 8Isaiah 9:6-7This beautiful description of Jesus was written over 700 years before he was born. Jesus was prophesied to bring healing to all brokenness.Jesus was compelling. He was counter-cultural and he changed everything. Jesus was invited to temples by the elite and religious but he chose fisherman to accompany him while frequently dining with the likes of tax collectors and ...  Read More

Monday, December 7Proverbs 16:7When I was young, I went through a major peace sign phase (who can understand the loves of a middle schooler?). I had peace sign clothes, accessories, and decorations in my bedroom. It became my thing. As a college student I was still receiving peace sign gifts even though the phase had ended.At the time I put little thought into the meaning of the peace sign. I most...  Read More