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Real Christmas
A portal was opened the day Jesus was born. God, in his Omnipotence forged a way to allow the finite to meet the Infinite. As He fulfilled the promises of ages past, wrapping Himself in the limitations of a human form, the “Word became flesh”. He changed everything in that instant. And yet, He remained God. It is stunning. This…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Practicing Gratitude
“Do all things without complaining and disputing,” Philippians 2:4 NKJV Certainly, this must be a typo. Everything? Surely there have be some activities that allow just a little grumbling, or at least heavy sighs? Or – one of my favorites – perhaps just a teensy sarcastic zinger? Nope. Ok – so let’s dig a little deeper. There must be a…
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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…
