By Mathew B. Sims For many the holidays are a time of joy and merry-making with family and friends. We all have our own traditions. My family enjoys going to the local science center to view the amazing lights. We also enjoy taking carriage rides in a neighboring Mayberry. I shouldn’t forget the food. We...

by Candice Watters Q: I’ve been a believer in Christ most of my life, and I know that “Jesus is the reason for the season,” but every year I feel like that head knowledge has a hard time getting to my heart. I’m so distracted and busy in December. I love to buy gifts for...

By GraceAnna Castleberry Expectations. Christmas is the season for expectations. Expectations are at times necessary and good, but if they are unrealistic or self-centered they can become stumbling blocks in our lives. We all have expectations. We have expectations for ourselves, our future, our spouse, our family, our friends, and even of God. Sometimes we...

By Jeremiah G. Dys, Esq. Every Christmas, I seem to find new meaning in an old carol.  This year, it seems, I’ve heard the background of, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.”  It’s message of ultimate hope amid despair is staggering. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is remembered not only for his exquisite poetry, but also...

By Rondi Lauterbach ‘Tis the season to be overwhelmed and the countdown to Christmas is going strong. It’s not only the shopping and baking and decorating and wrapping and shipping, it’s that we can’t hit the pause button on the rest of life.  I just got off the phone with my daughter. She’s overwhelmed with...

  By Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson Editor’s Note: The following is an excerpt from the Advent devotional by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson. Every Monday that leads up to Christmas we will be posting an excerpt from this encouraging devotional. If you would like to purchase one for your family, you can do so...