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

Sunday, December 6The Second Sunday of AdventEvery Sunday during Advent we invite you to join us in lighting an Advent wreath in your home. These wreaths can be elaborate parts of your Christmas decor, or they can simply be four candles gathered from around the house (Pinterest is full of inspiration).Traditionally, many families light their Advent candle at dinnertime or during an evening quiet t...  Read More

Saturday, December 5Romans 8:18-39My very favorite Christmas tradition is my father’s annual rendition of “O Holy Night.” In my childhood, the pinnacle of Christmas Eve would be my father singing this beautiful song as my Aunt Leslie played the piano. Traditions are forced to evolve as we grow and, in recent years, my father belted out “O Holy Night” during car rides home from family parties and e...  Read More

Friday, December 4Colossians 1:25-29 When I was younger, there were two Christmas presents that I was most excited about opening. (And no, neither of them were the inevitable underwear we’d find in our stockings. Thanks Santa…) The first was whatever big present I’d asked for, which I got about half the time. The other was batteries, because more often than not, my presents were going to need batt...  Read More

Thursday, December 31 Peter 1:3-5Growing up I went on a lot of canoe trips with my family. We would pack up the canoe with ice chests with drinks and food, bags with extra clothes and equipment, and if we were going over night we’d include a tent. I learned on these adventures that one of the most important things on a canoe trip isn’t your water shoes or your ice chest or even your paddle. Instea...  Read More