Delving into the uncertainties of life with enthusiastic curiosity
As one who no longer embraces Christianity, the Christmas holiday presents an interesting moment of reflection. It’s one of those moments where it seems like there would be a vacuum where there used to be religious devotion. Instead of a spiritual vacuum, I’ve discovered that my enjoyment of this holiday has simplified and grown more personally profound.
My wonderful wife gave me a 1920s vintage typewriter for Christmas, so I've used it on this post. I created it entirely on the typewriter, so there was no margin for going back and rebuilding an entire sentence or paragraph. It came out somewhat stream-of-consciousness, but here is my Christmas prayer:
Today, Jude picked up a wooden ring, then tossed it back on the table. We cheered. Funny how those little moments are what become stamped in our memory. For Jude, those moments add up and ultimately shape his early life. Every responsive smile, touch, and embrace make a difference in who he is becoming. I... Continue Reading →
"Help us, O God, to rightly remember the birth of Jesus that we may share in the songs of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the magi. Close the door of hate and open the door of love around the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desire... Continue Reading →
I'm going through a phase in which I am having trouble remembering why we do this Christmas thing every year. Now some may immediately say that the answer to that should be easy, especially for a former church youth group junkie who should know better. The problem here is mostly within me. Thus far, I've spent... Continue Reading →
Bobby Webb asked me if I had any recommendations for Advent books, so I thought I'd post a few that we have (re)discovered lately. Please add to the comments any recommendations you have for worthwhile readings during Advent. The Holy Bible I should start here. I'm finding it much too easy to read other things... Continue Reading →
"We've become too polite. We don't laugh and cry with God. We've forgotten the excitement of the Good News. What greater sign of the extraordinary, lavish, marvelous love of God than the incarnation! God so loved the world and all of us in it that God himself came to live with us as one of... Continue Reading →
"It's the most wonderful time of the year..." In spite of the song sung every Christmas season about how wonderful Christmas is, I have mixed feelings. One one hand, I enjoy the nostalgic feelings that come along with all the decor, the food, and the music. It reminds me of the oblivious days of childhood,... Continue Reading →
An acquaintance of mine recently made a decision to shift his whole way of looking at Christmas. He decided that it was foolish to spend $500 on trinkets, socks, and CDs as gifts for friends and family who needed no such things. Instead, he is taking the money he would have spent on these gifts... Continue Reading →
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free: From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in Thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art, Dear desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart. Born thy people to deliver, Born a child, and... Continue Reading →
LEADING QUESTIONS 