Advent of 2020. Much of the western world is heading back into a time of isolation and governmental restrictions, and we are growing weary. The yoke chafs against our God-given desires for freedom of movement and gathering with friends and families, especially at this time of the year. Tiny fissures in our defences are starting […]
Christmas
God was Silent, So It Seemed
God was silent, or so it seemed. The age of His prophets walking amid His people had long passed, or so it seemed. The tales of the patriarchs, along with the narrative of Moses leading the children of Israel into freedom, were all that the current generation had left. These stories evoked more wistful sighs […]
No Snail Mail Christmas Cards This Year
Don’t you just love how things work out? Although I really enjoyed exchanging cards with people around the world last year, I decided a few weeks ago not to send Christmas cards via snail mail this year for a variety of reasons. This week, I was given the opportunity to join a project that is […]
It’s Your Joy, Do All You Can to Keep It!
A few years ago, it definitely was not beginning to look like Christmas in my city in mid-December. At least, not on the surface. With temperatures well above freezing and no snow on the ground, I still found myself singing “Jingle Bells” as I darted around my neighbourhood in my power-chair, a rare luxury in […]
Advent Series – Part 4 – He is our Humble King
“And He shall reign forever and ever, King of kings! and Lord of lords! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!” Hallelujah Chorus by Georg Friedrich Handel Isaiah 9:6-7 – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty […]
Advent Series – Part One – He is Our Righteousness
The Cambridge dictionary defines Advent as the beginning of an event, the invention of something, or the arrival of a person. For Christians, Advent starts four weeks before Christmas. The season of Advent is meant to be one of hopeful reflection, anticipating the coming Messiah. I will be providing a devotion each week during Advent as […]
Savour the Gift of the Moment
Several years ago, an exceptionally hectic and challenging season forced me to postpone Christmas shopping until December 23. Trying to shop in crowded malls on a minimal budget frustrated me. On the 24th, after a long, crowded bus trip, I forced my way into my hometown’s terminal, lugging wobbly luggage behind me. There was nowhere […]
My Christmas Prayer
My Christmas greetings for 2017 and a Christmas Prayer for all those who find the Christmas season a difficult one. May you know Him as Immanuel – God with us. [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqEJnLGw5f0[/embedyt] Everlasting Father, I ask you to come to those whose hearts ache on your Son’s birthday. They are hurting and lonely. Father, […]
What Do You Hide Behind Your Bah Humbug?
One December, I was particularly disillusioned with the commercialisation of the holiday season, or so I tried to convince myself. I wished Christmas would go away. I was in a funk, and I planned to hide during the holidays and spend my time watching a marathon of old musicals and eating a couple of frozen […]