Although not visible to Joseph and Mary, an elite corps of angelic, special agents guarded their every move.

What to do then…with the holidays?

The angels carried their worship on the road to Bethlehem’s stable. On that first Christmas, angels by the myriads and thousands trekked from heaven to earth to worship God incarnate: Jesus, the Christ-child.

I really didn’t mind moving and working hogs, but dragging a dead or injured animal out of a feeding area into the barnyard was a dreary, messy task.

It is always risky to impose modern culture too heavily upon ancient culture, but pregnancy out of wedlock has always been problematic.

As I think back on a wonderful evening with Dave and his family, I don’t recall anyone suggesting that the government would rest on his shoulders one day. Nor do I remember anyone calling him Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, or Prince of Peace.

After years of being unapproachable, you desire to convey a different message. Yet your omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence are intimidating. 

I took time away several weeks ago to plan, and pray, and gain fresh perspective. I've been diligently preparing since for launching into 2016 with fresh goals and fewer outstanding accounts inside my soul's bank. I'm lighter in side of me.

With the sound of Mary’s labor, Satan stalked closer to her, determined to destroy and devour the child, the hope of mankind, the light of the world, the Crown Prince of heaven’s kingdom.  It was a desperate plan conceived for a desperate moment.

On that first Christmas, angels by the myriads and thousands trekked from heaven to earth to worship God incarnate

When Jesus announced His intention to the angels surrounding His throne, surely someone must have said, “What are you thinking?! This is lunacy. 

What do you suppose will become of his reputation, his clients, his acceptance by his rather prominent family? Should he marry this unfaithful girl? How will he love and accept her child that is not their child? 

Have you ever thought about Mary and Joseph’s discussion on the way home from meeting with Simeon? Mothers aren’t usually too keen on the idea of swords piercing their souls, especially regarding their children.

Dear God: Your interpreters—the prophets and priests of the Old Testament—did their best to portray you in the best possible fashion. And even though they approached you, and most lived to write and tell about it, you remain dauntingly distant. 

Here’s my current recipe for holiday fare. Feel free to modify as you see fit, just don’t overcook it.

Here’s my current recipe for holiday fare. Feel free to modify as you see fit, just don’t overcook it. 

In the spiritual battle for the hearts and lives of men and women, this inconsequential couple, pregnant out of wedlock, an embarrassment, were the avenue by which God would initiate His coup de grace of mankind’s redemption.  

Have you ever wondered why the angels left heaven when Christ was born?

Much like me, his hair hadn’t all come in yet so his head was covered with blond fuzz that begged to have my cheek against it.