Easter has an awkward history no doubt. So many of the iconic images and traditions of Easter have pagan origins. But isn’t it amazing that most elements of Easter can be reclaimed to point to Christ? So where do some of our Easter symbols come from?
while the holidays are supposedly all about coming together, there’s a reason I’d rather hibernate in my stretch pants, messy bun, maybe a day or two past my last shower, and watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” with an endless supply of eggnog (more precisely, the creamy non-alcoholic kind). All that festive chaos? Not exactly my idea of a good time. As a bipolar mom with manic tendencies and anxiety served with a side of ADHD, holiday gatherings give me a little extra “something” to manage.
For over two decades, Kim Walker-Smith has led worship with powerful anthems like “Rooftops,” “Spirit Break Out,” and “Throne Room.” As the holiday season approaches, many revisit her 10-year-old album When Christmas Comes. Recently, Kim’s life has transformed significantly.
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.
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.
Are you dreading holiday get-togethers because of conflict that you know might happen between relatives or friends? Pray this Prayer.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. —James 1:17
FOR THOSE OF US WHO ARE FANS OF HALLMARK’S WHEN CALLS THE HEART TELEVISION SERIES, the characters of the show seem like family. Yes, they’re fictional characters from the fictional town of Hope Valley, but we can learn some valuable lessons from them — at Christmas and throughout the year.
For example, from the beloved characters of Lee and Rosemary Coulter…Lee Coulter wanted to do something special for his wife, Rosemary, for their first Christmas as husband and wife. Knowing of her love for baubles, he bought her a unique brooch for her Christmas gift — one he thought would tickle her fancy.
Lee also knew of her penchant for snooping, so he hid the gift in a place she’d never look. But ever-vigilant Rosemary spied it out anyway — and let’s just say she wasn’t excited about her new accessory. “Horrified” might be a better word.
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by Heartie Michelle S. Cox in Leading Hearts magazine
The snow began falling on December 17. It was beautiful as it covered everything in a blanket of pristine white. The trees in the woods around our house looked as if God had sprinkled powdered sugar on them.
Yes, it was gorgeous, but the flakes continued to fall … and fall … and fall. The wet snow began to weigh down the branches of the trees, and soon loud cracks were heard as limbs started snapping.
We’d been through this before, so we knew there was a good chance that we’d be without power before too long. We quickly began our snowstorm prep, gathering lanterns and candles, and carrying firewood in so it would be dry. Sure enough, just as we finished our preparations, the power clicked off, and the cheery lights on our Christmas tree went dark.
by Penelope Carlevato @teatimepen in Leading Hearts magazine
Everything was ready for our family Christmas dinner. The dining room table was set, the roast in the oven and the Christmas tree lights twinkling in the living room. Everyone was to arrive in a few minutes. Then my cell phone chimed — a new text. The message was from my crazy uncle who was on his way. He wasn’t invited, because he always caused problems. What should I do? Set another place?
By Penelope Carlevato @teatimepen in Leading Hearts Magazine
A FEW YEARS AGO I HOSTED A GOING-AWAY TEA FOR A CO-WORKER. WE HAD ENJOYED WORKING TOGETHER FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND ALWAYS PLANNED ON GETTING TOGETHER “ONE OF THESE DAYS.”
Well, that day never happened until it was time for her to move. As we sat around the table and enjoyed our tea and scones, we regretted not making time earlier for fellowship. We talked about the people God had put into our lives we wanted to connect with but didn’t take the time.