Endeavor to volunteer

As the new year is unfolding, it is introspection time. “How can I be better at my job?”  “How can I be a better parent?”  Or how about that big one so many love to break, …”How can I lose weight?”  The house seems so empty with the last child going off to college or a new job.

Winter rescues

People get in trouble during all seasons of the year, but it seemed to me that the winter searches were more difficult.  There was usually bitter cold or snow – or both – to deal with. One plus was that it certainly made tracking them much easier, what with their footprints in the snow.

Sunshine and gray skies of life

“Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).  The New Year is a moment to reflect on time as a gift from God, entrusted to us for His glory. Pondering 2025, it’s apparent my year was overshadowed by the tragic death of my eighteen-year-old daughter.

Christmas customs and traditions

Have you ever wondered why we do some of the things we do at Christmas, such as bringing in a small live tree – or artificial – and putting a star on top of it?

Reflection on Christmas message

May the season bring you “peace on earth and tidings of comfort and joy.”  We are told that on the night of Jesus’ birth, the stars shined brightly and guided three wise men to the Savior to honor him. They found Jesus wrapped in simple cloths in the barn, not clothing of fine linen.

A choice to do the right thing

The annual community Christmas children’s pageant was about to begin. Everyone was rushing around – when the director noticed the boy playing Joseph was nowhere to be found.  Just then, the mother of the boy called to say he was sick and could not come.

Angels among us

Throughout Scripture – and especially at the birth of Jesus – angels have played a unique role in God’s great redemption story. They announced His arrival; ministered to Him in the wilderness; guarded His tomb; and instructed the disciples on how to watch and wait for His return at his ascension.

Blessings of the holiday season

Family gatherings at Christmas are natural, right and good. J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) described them as “one of the very few pleasant things that have survived the fall of man.

Holiday not always observed in states

In this day and time – with Christmas items appearing on store shelves before Halloween – it’s difficult to believe that celebrating Christmas was once banned in America. During the 17th century, Christmas celebrations were banned by the Puritans – especially in the New England area.

The celebration of Hanukkah

Actor Adam Sandler wrote a song about Chanukah and performed it on television. He said he did it for Jewish children who felt left out during the Christmas season. It made people more aware of a Jewish holiday observed just before Christmas.