CHRISTMAS DAY, 2022 Today I turned the last page of the Advent devotional I’ve been studying. Opened the last gift from the Advent calendar. The waiting has ended—Christmas has arrived. I would like to share with you a devotional by Charles H. Spurgeon. Spurgeon lived in England from 1834-1892. He was a pastor and an…
Epiphany
Matthew 2:1-2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” “Epiphany” means a manifestation or…
Merry Christmas!
The Manger and the Cross By Janet Kaderli The manger and the cross— Common objects of the time. One cradled innocence; The other, a penalty for crime. In a sacrificial act of grace Christ laid aside His glory. He was born to live among us And join the human story. Between the manger and the…
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
All four candles are lit. The candles represent hope, love, joy, and peace. These virtues are more than emotions brought about by lights, gifts, and gatherings. These are fruit of the Holy Spirit, and can be found in relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ brings hope, love, joy, and peace to the world. He is…
The Third Sunday of Advent
Sewing sequins on felt cut-outs. Paint-by-number wooden ornaments. Decorating Styrofoam balls to create Christmas tree ornaments. Memories of these pre-Christmas activities came back to me last week as I glued ribbon and stickers on tealights for our United Methodist Women Christmas luncheon. Another thing also came back to me—the joy I had in the sewing,…
The Second Sunday of Advent
Many of us know Psalm 46:10 by heart: He says, “Be still, and know that I am God . . .”(NIV) Sometimes being still seems impossible—especially during the holiday season. I don’t have any decorations up. I haven’t done any Christmas shopping. I still haven’t found my Advent wreath. There’s just so much to do,…
The First Sunday of Advent
“Let every heart prepare Him room . . .” From Joy to the World by Isaac Watts I am never prepared for the first Sunday of Advent. I’m recovering from Thanksgiving! My mind is on leftovers, not pulling out the Christmas decorations to find the Advent wreath. (Hmm, maybe I should store the Advent wreath…
. . . in everything give thanks
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to rejoice always, pray continually, and in everything give thanks. How in the world can we do that? By remembering that, as Christians, we are in the world but not of it. We belong to God. Because of all God has done for us in Christ Jesus, we always have…
Give Thanks
‘Tis the season to give thanks. Stores, radio, and TV seem to jump directly from Halloween to Christmas with only a slight nod to Thanksgiving. Please join me in posting pictures, videos, and stories of gratitude and Thanksgiving through the month of November.
My Favorite Book
I have been asked in author interviews which of my books is my favorite. My latest book, Summer Celebration, is my favorite! Summer Celebration is a picture book for all ages. The poems in the book are based on my childhood memories. Some of these poems were written years ago, and were waiting for just…
Sweet Summer Treats
This poem has been kicking around in my head a while. Hope you enjoy it, and happy summer!