The Busy Heart Leads to the Empty Heart
The story of Christmas is so familiar we might overlook the new heart available from a powerful Creator who became a babe in a manger.
The story of Christmas is so familiar we might overlook the new heart available from a powerful Creator who became a babe in a manger.
Reflect . Refocus . Renew. The path of ministry is a journey of a lifetime—one fraught with discovery and discouragement. We can avoid some of its pitfalls if we define that path early on. I’ve found for me—even in the hectic days leading up to Christmas—my thoughts turn backward as I evaluate my year.
As we enter a new year, I must be honest: to me, it just feels heavy. There’s a sinking feeling that’s been lingering in me these past few months, an urge to put the shutters up on life and keep out whatever the future may bring. The uncertainty can feel overwhelming, and it’s tempting to shrink back, to withdraw into a place where things feel safer and more manageable. But even in these moments, I’m beginning to recognize something powerful: God has me here, even now, amid all this uncertainty.
Q: Amid the Christmas traditions of Santa Claus, trees, and presents, how can Christians celebrate while staying true to the holiday’s deeper spiritual meaning? A: The modern Santa Claus is actually a fascinating transformation of a remarkable historical figure.
Each year as my family decorates the tree, we sing “The First Noel” and add on those yarn wreaths. We remember it is a “choice to rejoice.” It also seems as we reflect on that first Christmas and our decision to “choose joy,” we can see why God placed this vital truth in our lives as a strong foundation for our future.
Imagine Christmas without a woman’s touch—no Mary to bring our Savior into the world. It’s impossible because it was God’s divine plan to bypass the seed of man and bring the Son of God into the world through a woman.
These holidays are for making memories, with relatives traveling great distances to connect. Instead of dreading the gathering, I offer guidelines for maintaining a calm and enjoyable meal, ensuring we cherish our time together despite our differences.
Every leader has room for spiritual and professional growth. Ultimately, Holy Spirit is our faithful guide leading us into all things pertaining to godliness, but God’s Word does encourage mentoring relationships.
With new reports of data breaches and suspicious messages popping up everywhere we look, scams have become a major concern today for everyone. As we navigate this landscape of deception, it’s important to equip ourselves with knowledge and strategies to stay safe.
Halifax, Nova Scotia—a city long on my bucket list— finally became a reality for me this past month. But its historical significance, particularly regarding the Titanic, adds a unique depth to its allure. In April 1912, Halifax played a pivotal role in the recovery efforts following the Titanic’s tragic sinking, a connection that made my visit even more meaningful.