Mary Sets the Example

Mary Sets the Example

Christmas Day ended a few days ago. The presents have been opened. The holiday dinner (so good!) consumed. The family has gone home. No more Christmas music playing on the radio. The unusual TN snow giving us a white Christmas has melted. Holiday cheer is now a...
A Few of My Favorite Things

A Few of My Favorite Things

It’s no secret how much I like Christmas music. There’s nothing like listening to Karen Carpenter singing “Home for the Holidays” or Tony Bennett singing “Winter Wonderland”. Most people believe it’s socially acceptable to begin listening after Thanksgiving, although...
Dark Skies and Bright Light

Dark Skies and Bright Light

As a kid growing up in East Williamson NY, I remember how early darkness descended on our little town during December. Early in the month, the sun sets around 4:30pm with last light occurring at 5:05pm. For much of winter, evening activities around town are done in...
Jesus Reigns in Every Season

Jesus Reigns in Every Season

We’re officially in the Christmas season. You can see it. You can hear it. The evidence is all around us. Front porches and shrubs adorned with colorful lights. Inflatable Santa’s and Frosty’s staked to the ground, sometimes found side by side with plastic shepherds...
The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. The reason I like it better than Christmas is there aren’t as many expectations (materialism, gifts), and it doesn’t carry the same relative tension (Santa vs virgin birth). Thanksgiving is simply a season of being thankful, and...