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Psalm 147:16–17 “He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes. He casts forth His ice like morsels; who can stand before His cold?” When winter settles deep around me, I often return to these words from the psalmist. They capture something both majestic and mysterious about God’s character. The snow, the frost,… Read more »

Luke 1:46–55 (NRSV)  And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on the lowly state of his servant. Surely from now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is… Read more »

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. This lovely medieval Basque carol tells the story of the Angel Gabriel announcing to the Virgin Mary that she would be the mother of the Son of… Read more »

Malachi 3:1-3 See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can… Read more »

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 »