Finding the purpose of Christmas
After a couple of low-key Christmases in a row, due to health restrictions prompted by the pandemic, many of us have shifted to simpler, more intimate celebrations. Doing... »
Personal Accounts
Lonely at Christmas?
If you’re feeling lonely this Christmas, you’re not alone. Sad Christmas songs are popular because they strike a responsive chord in many. For a number of people, Christm... »
Occasion to love
For many of us, since we were young children, Christmas has been a special time of celebrating Jesus’ birth, giving and receiving gifts, and spending time with family and... »
Meeting Jesus
What about when Christmas comes along and you’re sad, grieving, or alone—or when, instead of anticipation and excitement, you feel dread and loss? You know this is suppos... »
Between the holidays
When I was a child, I hated the days after Christmas. I’d gotten all my gifts and had nothing to look forward to. Likely, it was a problem with ingratitude. I often thoug... »
A ray of light in the dark
I was on my way to an important appointment, which unfortunately was scheduled during the city’s much-dreaded morning rush hour. If at all possible, I try to plan my day... »
This little light of mine
The other evening, my wife and I watched the sunset from our terrace, and we stayed until stars came out. As usual, the evening star was the first to appear. An hour or s... »
Let there be light
I heard a beautiful testimony recounted by Dutch evangelist Corrie ten Boom. She told about a visit to a prison situated somewhere in the African bush. The atmosphere was... »
The light of love
God’s Word tells us that God is love and that He wants the world to be filled with the same: “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all... »
From darkness to light
Nonon couldn’t keep back the tears as she told me about her sister’s death. Her bicycle had hit a hole in the road, and Rani had flown off and landed on her head. She was... »
Confident children
Parents who are concerned about their children’s progress at each stage of their development, as nearly all parents are, need to realize what an important role a child’s... »
Encouragement
During a recent work evaluation, I was surprised to receive the feedback that my coworkers do not find me especially encouraging. This hit me hard, because I’ve always co... »
The formula
The topic of letting God work through us is very dear to my heart, as I find it encouraging when God chooses unexpected people to do His work, and then helps them to not... »