The Dreaded Christmas Letdown Christmas is my favorite holiday. Even as I continue to adjust to missing my husband—knowing a piece of my heart resides in heaven—I still love Christmas. Sappy movies with happily-ever-after endings. Hectic schedules punctuated by...
A Christmas Carol Message: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”
A Christmas Carol Message: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” We don’t often incorporate the word herald in our daily conversations. Yet we sing about herald angels each Christmas. Why are the angels in the biblical Christmas account referred to as “herald” angels...
A Christmas Carol Message: “Silent Night”
A Christmas Carol Message: “Silent Night” The quintessential Christmas carol, “Silent Night,” has an interesting backstory. Written 200 years ago for a guitar accompaniment because the church organ required repair, the poignant lyrics and melody are still a...
Christmas Carol Message: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Christmas Carol: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” When I think of Christmas carols, I think of joy. Celebration. Cheer. But the Advent season (the four weeks leading to Christmas day) is often ushered in with a song that can be described as melancholy. Mournful....
Christmas Carol Messages: Joy to the World – a Carol Not Meant for Christmas!
Christmas Carol Messages: Joy to the World As the Christmas season draws to a close, it seems appropriate to end this series of Christmas carol messages with a carol that was not written for Christmas! Did you know that one of the most beloved Christmas carols...
Christmas Carol Messages: O Come All Ye Faithful
Christmas Carol Messages: O Come All Ye Faithful Christmas is a time of coming together. Families reunite around a Christmas tree and a tabletop laden with holiday treats. Church congregations join in celebrating with candle-lit services. Communities come...
Christmas Carol Messages: Angels From the Realms of Glory
Christmas Carol Messages: Angels From the Realms of Glory Angelology—the study of angels—is more popular than ever. Yet, there are more misconceptions about angels today than ever before. You’ve probably seen photos of baby cherubs wearing a diaper and carrying...
Christmas Carol Messages: “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
Christmas Carol Messages: "O Little Town of Bethlehem" What was so special about Bethlehem? Of all the towns in ancient Israel, why did God the Father choose Bethlehem as the birthplace of His Son? When we sing of the little town of Bethlehem, we’re often...
Christmas Carol Messages: “Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus”
Christmas Carol Messages: "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" Many leaders have founded religions based on claims they received a message from God. So how do we know the message of Jesus Christ is the only valid and anointed way to God? What about the messages of...
A Heart for Hospitality: Bless or Impress?
A Heart for Hospitality: Bless or Impress? The articles and blog posts are already flooding magazines and websites. And if I see one more magazine spread on how to host the perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner party, I may scream. The seasonal articles and...
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The Dreaded Christmas Letdown
The Dreaded Christmas Letdown Christmas is my favorite holiday. Even as I continue to adjust to missing my...
A Christmas Carol Message: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”
A Christmas Carol Message: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” We don’t often incorporate the word herald in our...
A Christmas Carol Message: “Silent Night”
A Christmas Carol Message: “Silent Night” The quintessential Christmas carol, “Silent Night,” has an...