“‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.'" - Zechariah 4:6 (NIV) This year felt like climbing mountains I never planned to face. Some days I barely moved upward, and other days I slipped and wondered if I’d ever reach the top. The climb was exhausting, and there were moments IContinue reading "A Mountain Year"
Unto Us a Child is Born
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) Can the birth of a child change our lives for the better? I believe it can.Continue reading "Unto Us a Child is Born"
Silent Night
“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” - Luke 2:12 (NIV) The first Christmas was anything but silent. From the cry of a newborn, to the lowing of cattle in the manger, to the unexpected arrival of shepherds, the night was surelyContinue reading "Silent Night"
The Gift of Light
The people living in darknesshave seen a great light;on those living in the land of the shadow of deatha light has dawned.— Matthew 4:16 (NIV) The greatest gift we have been given is the gift of God’s Light—Jesus Himself. Just as His light was desperately needed that first Christmas, it is still needed today, perhapsContinue reading "The Gift of Light"
The Gift of His Presence
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).—Matthew 1:23 (NIV) For four hundred years, heaven was silent. There were no prophetic words, no visions—only waiting. God’s people longed for a messenger, someone who would speak on His behalf as He had doneContinue reading "The Gift of His Presence"
A Star Shall Rise
“I see him, but not here and now.I perceive him, but far in the distant future.A star will rise from Jacob;a scepter will emerge from Israel.”— Numbers 24:17 (NLT) Many people rise to stardom, only to fade just as quickly. Like shooting stars, their brilliance is captivating but brief. Yet from ancient times, Scripture foretoldContinue reading "A Star Shall Rise"
Here to Dwell
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”— John 1:14 (NIV) Since ancient times, people have tried to contain God’s presence within a physical place. King David longed to buildContinue reading "Here to Dwell"
The Gift of Peace
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” — John 14:27 (NIV) Jesus came into our chaotic world to be our peace. Just as the people of ancient times longed for peaceContinue reading "The Gift of Peace"
O Come, Let Us Adore Him
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) In a world full of noise, Christmas invites us to slow down and refocus ourContinue reading "O Come, Let Us Adore Him"
Arise and Shine
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you." - Isaiah 60:1 (NIV) There are seasons in life that feel overwhelmingly dark—moments when hope seems distant and the light hard to find. This was precisely the reality facing God’s people in Isaiah 60. Yet into their darkness, GodContinue reading "Arise and Shine"
Rising with the Son 