What is Christmas? Thousands of words have been written, hundreds of songs sung—the centuries are full of hope, longing for the day when all sad things will become untrue, Tolkiens’ words speaking for everyone everywhere. In a world where Fate is the first and last word, where things are as they are because they always...
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I hate this place. How is it possible to hate what you’re thankful for? I haven’t worked out all the details yet. Some questions are better after caffeine anyway, so I pour a cup of coffee so piping hot, it requires coursework in advanced thermodynamics. I sip with trepidation, a squint-eyed geologist exploring bitter magma....
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I don’t want Christmas to end! Those were the tearful words from my youngest daughter one December 26, as she stood forlornly in front of the Christmas tree. Remnants of wrapping paper and ribbon littered the floor from the previous day’s gift-opening extravaganza. That morning, there were no packages left, no new holiday surprises to...
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As we have emphasized this year at TWI, Advent is traditionally a season of waiting. Traditionally, the Christmas hymns, the celebrations, the parties—they all waited until the beginning of the twelve days of Christmas. Instead, Advent songs were songs of longing, waiting and longing for Christmas to come. And the point was to remind Christians...
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! With the kids jingle belling, And everyone telling you be of good cheer… There’ll be parties for hosting, Marshmallows for toasting, And caroling out in the snow… It’s the most wonderful time of the year![1] The timeless voice of Andy Williams makes this cheerful declaration every year...
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The Slaughter of the Innocents in Matthew 2:14 is one of the most misunderstood stories in the New Testament. The few pastors who do preach on this passage spend most of their time trying to justify why Bethlehemite children had to be murdered to fulfill some obscure Old Testament prophesy. Yet, Matthew used these opening...
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