Advent: The Need for Urgency


“Now at this time Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth” (Luke 1:39-40 NRSV). As we reflect this Advent season, we need to ask ourselves if we are living our faith with a sense of urgency. Immediately … Continue reading Advent: The Need for Urgency

The Possibility of Extraordinary


  It’s Christmas season, a time of year when we focus on joy, yet how do we overcome those days and weeks when joy seems so distant?   Yesterday was one of those days for me, well, in all honesty, this entire week has been filled with days like this. I’ve been under a tremendous … Continue reading The Possibility of Extraordinary

You Light up My Life


  “And lo, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them, until it came and stood over where the Child was. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy” (Matthew 2:9a-10 NASB).   I always loved going to Santa’s Workshop when I was in elementary school. … Continue reading You Light up My Life

We Need Each Other: An Advent Reflection


“And she gave birth to her first-born son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger” (Luke 2:7a NASB).   God the Son comes to earth as a newborn baby. This baby Jesus was not self-sufficient in any way and he completely depended upon others to care for him, nourish him, … Continue reading We Need Each Other: An Advent Reflection

Making Room for Jesus: A Nativity Lesson


  “And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7).   A prevalent image of the birth of Jesus is him lying in a manger because there was no room for him … Continue reading Making Room for Jesus: A Nativity Lesson

Taking a Risk in Saying Yes: Mary’s Faith


In Luke’s Gospel, we have the account of the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary to inform her that she has found favor in God’s sight. In Mary’s conversation with Gabriel we are informed that God has chosen her to give birth to God’s own Son, who will be named Jesus. This conversation ends with Mary’s … Continue reading Taking a Risk in Saying Yes: Mary’s Faith