Longing for a Silent Night
“I hate to feel this way about the holidays,” a friend recently said to me, “but I wish it was over.” I admit to struggling with this tension too. Sometimes, … Continue reading Longing for a Silent Night
Category: Advent
Grateful
There are moments when this season of life is so sweet that I feel my heart will explode if I don’t tell someone about it. I am so grateful, especially … Continue reading Grateful
The Weary World Rejoices
Quiet. For just a little while, it was quiet. My college students have been home for the Thanksgiving holiday, two of them bringing their large dogs with them. My home … Continue reading The Weary World Rejoices
The Unexpected Gift
I arrived at the Post Office 9 minutes after it opened to find the line had already stretched beyond the front lobby and all the way to the door. I … Continue reading The Unexpected Gift
Everything is (Not) Awesome! What About Faith Then?
I used to think faith was a bit like optimism on crack, a Technicolor gala, resplendent with flashing lights and ear-splitting praise, maybe sort of like the Super Bowl half … Continue reading Everything is (Not) Awesome! What About Faith Then?
A Counterculture Christmas
I went to Costco the morning after Thanksgiving to buy dog food, milk, fruit…the basics. The problem is that I live in the shopping epicenter of Middle Tennessee. On the … Continue reading A Counterculture Christmas
Tea with Jinlan
“Come, let’s taste some tea,” she said. “Oh, ok…” I replied a bit nervously as I glanced down at my watch. “I am afraid I don’t have much time,” I … Continue reading Tea with Jinlan
Beautiful Imperfection
I used to be a Christmas tree tyrant. You know, that woman who wanted the ornaments and ribbon to be placed just so- everything well coordinated, no gaps, a picture … Continue reading Beautiful Imperfection
Day 25- The Significance Of “70”: The Boy Jesus In the Temple
Where’s Jesus? One baffled frown mirrored in the face of another. A skip of the heart. A tremor of terror. I thought he was with you. The caravans of pilgrims … Continue reading Day 25- The Significance Of “70”: The Boy Jesus In the Temple
Day 24- “Out of Egypt I Call My Son”: A Priestly Line in Egypt
In the sands six miles north of Cairo, Egypt Hebrew inscriptions can be found among the ruins of an ancient city. Jewish burial catacombs snake under the dunes. This is Tell … Continue reading Day 24- “Out of Egypt I Call My Son”: A Priestly Line in Egypt
Day 23-“Her Children Are No More”: The Slaughter of the Innocents
This, as every post in this series, was written ahead of time and scheduled to be posted on the appropriate day. I wrote this particular piece by the light of … Continue reading Day 23-“Her Children Are No More”: The Slaughter of the Innocents
Day 22- Two Dreams and a Midnight Flight
“Get up.” Moments earlier, there was the blackness of midnight, the stillness of village slumber. Then, sleep was riven by light and alarm. Joseph was no ordinary man. He was … Continue reading Day 22- Two Dreams and a Midnight Flight