When Kathy and I found out she was pregnant, we were overjoyed but slightly concerned: We had gotten maternity insurance in November (in those days it was separate coverage), and this was in January. If our baby came early or if there were problems along the way, we wouldn’t be covered...
The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people…” -Luke 2:10 Many years ago, when my children were younger, they had the spirit of giving to others where needed. Our family lived in a large home...
We are all orphans. We are all alone. I have often heard it said that, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there” (Job 1:21). In the past, I have perceived this verse as a sad and lonely perspective on our...
But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. -Micah 5:2 It may come as a surprise (or until now, as a surprise to you) that I...
Snowy skies in the mountainsPainted with grays and bluesI heard an eagle cry in the distance Towering spires into the heavensBeyond our reach or thoughtThis creature commands our glance near God’s lofty realm Aspens reaching starkly toward the sky Lined up...
All throughout these months as the shadows have lengthened, this blessing has been gathering itself making ready preparing for this night. It has practiced walking in the dark traveling with its eyes closed feeling its way by memory by touch, by the pull of the moon even as it wanes. So...
Condemned as a traitor for his opposition to Hitler, Alfred Delp, a Jesuit priest, wrote this piece in a Nazi prison shortly before he was executed in 1945. For all its seriousness, Advent is a time of inner security, because we have received a message from on high. Oh, if it ever happens...
This is the irrational season when love blooms bright and wild. Had Mary been filled with reason there’d have been no room for the child. -Madeleine L’Engle Art by Jon Di Venti, “Immanuel”
Picture this: It’s the wee hours of a chill December morning, and you are a child asleep in your safe, warm bed. You have a pile of blankets pulled up to your chin, with your hands and one foot securely tucked beneath (the other foot is peeking out like some kind of plump, pink...
Happy Birthday, Jesus…and Aunt Martha, and my cousin Dede, and everyone else who was born on this day. The Savior excepted, I think I know what the rest of you birthday babies are thinking: All your gifts are wrapped in Christmas paper, as usual. Most of the family has already whispered...
