Years ago my husband started a Christmas tradition where he gives me a nativity set every year. He searches for nativities that are made from different materials — porcelain, wood, pewter, or even glass. When I set out my collection of creches, I ponder each person’s perspective. Joseph doesn’t have a single word recorded in Scripture, yet he ...

I’m great at starting things – not so great at finishing them. Enthusiasm drives hard work until I’m tired and encounter seemingly unsolvable problems. Then it’s quitting time. Six Christmases ago was a milestone “stuck” point in my life. But instead of quitting, I gained a new perspective that continues to motivate me today. Life in that ...

This year has been a difficult one, even devastating for some. I know I’m not alone in looking forward to a fresh start as we flip over the calendar. But before we head into a new year, we still have a few days left in this one – and I’m determined to make the best of them. Rather than simply throwing up our hands or hanging our heads, let’s take ...

As the darkness of night fell, the stars seemed to shine with an unparalleled brilliance. An infant’s first cries pierced through the darkness as they rolled over the hills. A precious new mother holding her highly anticipated child, the tears of relief from the pains of birth that overwhelmed her body streamed down her flushed face. An infant with ...

Dear Christmas Magic, I remember the way you use to tingle up my spine and flutter like a snowflake flurry in the middle of my belly. So much wonder. Excitement. Delight. How you were there every year when we piled in the car and drove down the boulevard to the family-owned corner lot that sprung to life with perfect pines each cold December ...