I hate fear. I don’t like when it sneaks in under the disguise of “post-Christmas blues” or “winter blahs” and sets up a command post in my heart. I despise when it sends its tentacles deep into my soul and prevents me from being the person I was created to be. I loathe the thoughts it brings to my mind. I detest its darkness.
Fear. Does it keep you continue here
Gloria in excelsis deo! We sing it every year at Christmas – Glory, in the highest to God — and our words proclaim to God the most exalted honor, adoration, praise and thanksgiving!
However, do our hearts align with our words? Do we really praise and adore God when life is hard? Do we give Him thanksgiving and the highest honor no matter our circumstances? Or do we merely sing the words. When life is good, the words reflect our praise. When we are suffering, do we truly mean what we sing?
When Alzheimer’s has robbed a loved one of understanding and mobility. Do you mean it?
When your daughter tells you she’s pregnant continue here
“I’ve lost the Christmas spirit.”
“I don’t feel very Christmassy this year.”
“I’m just not into it.”
“Where has all the magic gone?”
“Why can’t I feel the excitement like I did when I was a child?”
How many times have you heard something like that this year? How often have you read more here
There was nothing unusual about her, she wasn’t much older than my own children and we exchanged smiles as Brian and I moved into the empty seats next to her. She didn’t sing during worship, but not everyone does. She shook my hand when we exchanged “Merry Christmas” greetings with our neighbors.
Then, the pastor started his sermon, “Christmas! The most wonderful time of the year… except when it isn’t” and she started to cry. Things weren’t wonderful continue here
There are only 15 shopping days left till Christmas! Some of you have finished and all your gifts are wrapped and under the tree while some of us are still trying to find our way to the mall.
Imagine if you had completed all your shopping in one day at one store, had all your perfect selections rung up, and when you handed your money to the cashier you heard, “I’m sorry, we don’t take money.” Next, you pull out your credit card and then your debit card, and you still hear, continue here
Marcia Furrow 