Hey, want to hear some good news? Most of us are all ears when we hear that question. Of course we want to hear good news! We just celebrated the birth of Jesus, our Savior. The Christmas message is good news of great joy. As you start 2012, keep this thought: Jesus is your joy. The Christmas story is full of joy! The narratives of Jesus’ birth are found in the first two chapters of Matthew and Luke. As you read the story, you’ll find all kinds of emotions: fear, wonder, disbelief, worship, fury, weeping, concern, astonishment…and joy. Joy is scattered all through the story. But perhaps the...

What is your favorite Christmas memory? What made it so special? My trip down Christmas memory lane walks through old black and white photos of me as a baby sitting in front of a pile of presents, me sitting on a rocking horse as a toddler, and me standing in a cowboy suit complete with hat, boots and toy six-shooters. More recently, I envision the digital photos full of color instantly uploaded to Facebook of me sitting with my grandchildren excitedly looking on as they sit in front of their presents. We can truly mark the passage of time by our Christmas celebrations. Christmas can even bring...

When do you most neglect your soul cravings in the rush to tend to the “necessities” of life? For my wife and me, our schedule has been particularly busy – chaotic, really – these past few months.  And now, Christmas season, with all its events, meals and decorating, has almost put us over the edge.  Even Christmas can add stress to life when it becomes just one more thing to do, leaving us feeling guilty for having the “Bah Humbug” syndrome. You may not be able to snap your fingers and put everything in perfect order. You can learn to settle in the “here and now” and trust God...

What is it about this scripture that gets me? Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV) 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. On my grumpy days, I feel like talking back to the Scripture, “Don’t tell me to be happy!”  (Like I am reading between the lines… Here’s a happy coat, why...