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Isaiah 9:2–7 Have you ever been in a dark place? Perhaps Advent is a difficult time because of loneliness, estrangement, or bittersweet memories of Christmases past. Why do anxieties multiply in darkness, emotional or physical?  The psalmist wrote I am weary with my moaning;     every night I flood my bed with tears;  … Read more »

Luke 2:8-18 “Hark!” the herald angels sing, “Glory to the new-born King; Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With th’angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Refrain: Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the new-born King!” Charles Wesley… Read more »

Matthew 24:36, 44 But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the son. … Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. “Are you ready for Christmas?” Wherever you are today—at the mall, at work, or having dinner with… Read more »

Psalm 130:6 My soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning. During the Christmas season, waiting is a familiar experience. The church observes Advent, a time of anticipation and preparation as we await the celebration of Jesus’s birth. Children eagerly await Christmas… Read more »

Psalm 89:1-4 O Lord God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty O Lord, and your faithfulness surrounds you. Psalm 89:8 (NIV) At the time for the worship service to begin, the imposing six-foot four pastor clothed in his long, formal, black robe, entered the sanctuary. The congregation quieted.  Suddenly the exuberant voice of… Read more »

Matthew 3:1-3, 11 Don and I recently spent a few days hiking in the Wichita Mountains of Oklahoma. I’ve never visited the wilderness of Judea, but I suspect the Wichitas are a good approximation—rocky, rugged, wild, and beautiful, with a tracery of crooked paths laid down by elk, deer, and bison.  The first afternoon, hiking… Read more »

John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. (NRSV) Christmas is our annual reminder that God lights the way in the darkness. Mankind has had physical light since creation began:  the sun lights our days, and the stars light our nights. When Christ was born in a manger… Read more »

John 1:1-2 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. (NRSV) It’s the first day of Advent. Wait. Prepare. Make ready. The world around us says it is Christmas. It is not. Not yet. It’s coming, but it is… Read more »