By Rubye Box Luke 2:8-10 The Son of God came to earth as an infant altogether human and yet, altogether God. The shepherds, whose job it was to watch over a flock of sheep, were not considered as very important nor were they very high on the pay scale. They were just common men doing the…
By Gina Garrison Luke 1:46-48 One of my favorite folk songs, recorded by Rani Arbo and Daisy Mayhem, is titled “Ready for Joy.” The song expresses the dark places in our lives, when we feel downtrodden, tied to the ground, or surrounded by midnight. Throughout these hardships, the lyricist speaks enthusiastically of his or her anticipation…
By Daniel Zamora Isaiah 9:2-3 Increase your Joy and Rejoice! Have you ever tried to walk in the darkness, at least a few steps to reach the closest light switch or perhaps when the power is out during a big storm, and are trying to reach your cell phone or any other source of light? We…
By Mark Noblitt Luke 2:11-14 In 20 centuries of Christianity, it is counterintuitive that a faith centered on peace has been used as the excuse for so much war and violence. I’ve often wondered what the earliest Christians – or indeed the Prince of Peace himself – would think of our modern Christianity. What does it…
By Cindy Twedt John 6:33 “For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” Our dreams are said to reflect our waking lives, so it is no surprise that my dream reflected my life while working at American Airlines reservations office. In my dream, my colleagues and…
By Glo Parchman Isaiah 43:1-3 This passage of scripture was unknown to me. I was eleven years old and living in Nevada during World War II. I was a new Christian. I did know the prayer, “Now I lay me down to sleep…” and had memorized the 23rd Psalm in V. B. S. Mother and Daddy were…
By Kirsten Hancock John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” There is much to be afraid of in our troubled world. Reckless drivers. Drug and alcohol addiction. People who do not…
By Conrad Navarro Isaiah 11:6-9 As I sit writing this devotional I’m still feeling sick, still shedding tears, and still praying for the survivors and the family members of our brothers and sisters of this week’s massacre in Sutherland Springs. King Ahaz, facing an attack from Israel and Syria, asked Assyria for help. Assyria saved Judah…
By Barbara Higdon Philippians 4:4-7 There is a pervasive theology called the “prosperity gospel” or the “name it–claim it” gospel which says that wealth and physical well-being are what God wants for us. All we need is faith to believe it, positive speech to claim it, and we’re going to get it. It sort of…
By Dan Jean Isaiah 9:6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. There would be no room for the family tonight even if Mary seemed ready to give birth. The innkeeper who turned Joseph and Mary away was just doing his job. There were no empty rooms. There was…