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The Woodworkers
Imagination is a wonderful and powerful thing. Reading the Christmas story again reminds me how few details we have about the actual birth of Jesus. Was Mary in labor long? Did Joseph have experience delivering babies? Were there angels with them during this time – expectantly waiting and watching for the Messiah to be born? Did the Innkeeper have regrets after turning them away? Did Joseph ever doubt Mary’s faithfulness? Somehow, I don’t think so. This is where imagination comes in to play. Joseph. What a man he must have been! Much attention is given to Mary, but Joseph was also “chosen” and extraordinary. In fact, Joseph has been an…
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The Heralds
When I was little, I could scarcely wait for Christmas Eve. It had an almost magical feel about it. First of all, was the fact that we would go to Midnight Mass. Staying up late as a child seemed like a reward. Christmas carols would be sung with vigor, echoing in the church. People would actually smile and wish each other, “Merry Christmas!” Sometimes it even snowed, as it did when I was ten years old. Then…it was back home to a roaring fire and an amazing brunch. For some reason none of us got tired that night. One of the highlights of the evening was to place baby Jesus…
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For the One
Why would someone leave splendor to immerse themselves in squalor? Why would they do it? What would be the motivation – the compelling force for Jesus to willingly wrap Himself in an “earth suit“? He allowed Himself to be placed in a feeding trough that was inside a stinky stable. Have you ever been in a barn? Not exactly a sanitary place to spend your first minutes as an infant. No hand sanitizers. No masks. No hot water. Looking at the countless thousands, millions and even billions of souls who have come and gone, His choice may still be perplexing in some ways. To conquer the pervasive evil, or sin,…
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Makin’ a List
Today is the day after Thanksgiving. With a grateful heart, I find myself looking around at the odds and ends that make up my Christmas decorations…the Christmas Village, the crotched tablecloth pinch-hitting as an upscale Christmas tree skirt…two white ceramic angels perched on my grandfather’s clock. So many memories and sweet sentimental things that somehow coalesce into a harmonious theme – at least for me. Each piece is a loving reminder of someone dear. Someone who has contributed greatly to my life. Which brings me to God. When you examine your life can you see HIs hand in it? I hope so. I hope you can recognize Him blessing you,…
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Simple Things
Many people are starting to gear up for the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. There is a nearly tangible expectation in the air – in spite of the uncertainties making noise in our world. Others may even be dreading this time of year. It can definitely be a mixture of bitter and sweet. I have been thinking a lot about it, hoping the true foundations of the season will be the focus this year instead of the trappings. Oh, don’t get me wrong – I love to decorate and put up my lights as much as the next person. In fact, I told my sister yesterday that sometimes I still feel…
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Yesterdays & Tomorrows
None of us know our future – notta one of us. This is a strange pill for me to swallow, since I am a planner by design, by habit and even by profession. Rows and columns fill my days. However…there is this “other side” – the one that is an inveterate dreamer and desires to fly by the seat of my pants. Sometimes I indulge that side. It has reared its head recently. How I wish to embrace the wildness within. Are you with me? So I write today for those who feel stuck in the mud, or perhaps may have regrets about a hasty decision, or maybe neither of…
