A new hope
On the night Jesus was born, Luke tells us that there were shepherds out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks. An angel appeared to announce the birth of... »
Volume 24.12 | December 2023
Divine surprises
The Bible is full of surprising and unexpected events, and the Christmas story is no exception. The first chapter of Luke sets the scene. Zacharias was performing his nor... »
Six things I love about Christmas
Most people have a few things that make Christmas special to them. Here are a few of mine. The spirit of giving I love the spirit of giving that permeates Christmas. It’... »
Christmas hope
In February 2010, an earthquake and tsunami struck Constitución, Chile. The next Christmas, some friends and I planned to take boxes of aid to the many families who were... »
The meaning of Christmas
It’s Christmas, and I love to sing! It’s almost a subconscious action at this point—whether I’m walking or sitting or on my phone, I’ll be singing. It’s something I do th... »
A simpler kind of Christmas
I have taken a good hard look at my life this year. Seeing all the stuff I had gathered and realizing how happy others could be if I gave it away, I have simplified and d... »
Christmas oranges
Our family has a longstanding Christmas Day tradition of sharing tangerines before opening our presents. It’s a way to remember our grandparents and great-grandparents wh... »
How to share Jesus’ love at Christmastime!
Question: I would like to make this coming Christmas more meaningful for me and my family than past Christmases, but I don’t know where to start. Any suggestions? Answer:... »
The best gift
Can you imagine being given a Christmas gift and not opening it for 20 years? Well, that’s exactly what I did. Year after year I unwrapped all of my other gifts and enjoy... »
Christmases past and present
Every year, Christmas comes too fast. That’s not to say I don’t look forward to it, as I surely do, along with all the little joys, decorations, and memories forged over... »
When you aren’t ready
Each year, December 25th comes around whether we’re ready or not. We often talk about how there’s so much we still need to get done, how we’re short on time and money, et... »
Gift exchange
The first Christmas was My Father’s gift of love to the world, but it was also His gift to you personally. And it was a “gift that keeps on giving.” For those who witness... »