We sum up our hope this Christmas – A weary world rejoices.You gave up the riches of heaven to come as a baby.You came with little fanfare or public spectacle.As we reflect on Your birth, we recognize Your ways are not our ways.And yet, through Your life, we find ultimate peace and rest. We realize […]
A Prayer for Christmas 2020 Read More »
You stand twenty-four hours away from Christmas Eve 2020 at the writing of this post. Millions of people will stand together to celebrate the coming of Jesus to the world. As a church leader, you probably have a three-page to-do list ahead of you to minister to your community in this holiday season. Pause for
It’s Not Too Early to Plan Christmas 2021 – A Timeline for Church Leaders Read More »
My friend Adam and I this weekend were texting back forth about this tweet. 2020 has brought a heaviness to a regularly joyful season. In this year, we have walked through a pandemic, racial reckoning, job losses, contested elections, disrupted routines, and added doses of fear and anxiety for our children. As a pastor, I’m
The Christmas No One Wanted in 2020 Read More »
Today marks the first Sunday of Advent.We anticipate with the hope of the celebration of Christmas.A dark cloud has covered this year.So, Lord, we find ourselves waiting in more ways than we could ever imagine. Hundreds of years spanned between the Old and New Testament.I wonder how many doubted if a Messiah would ever come.They
A Prayer on Advent 2020 Read More »
Lord, we come to this Thanksgiving week weary.2020 has complicated our lives.Few things have come smoothly or simply.Yet, we find ourselves focusing our attention on gratitude. Our everyday routines have shifted in this season.Our search for normalcy has narrowed in several ways.Our patience has waned.Our anxiety and exhaustion have risen.Our plans for the holidays have
A Prayer for Contentment Read More »
Little did we know what 2020 entailed for us.Worry and fear became our companions.We have learned far more about grief than we would ever want.Yet, in a world of disorientation, we have come to recognize You. Today, we offer a prayer of Thanksgiving.November pauses to look at this year in gratitude.So, Lord, we thank You…Thank
A Prayer of Thanksgiving in 2020 Read More »
In ages past, Your followers have committed to praying for leaders.On this day, we commit to pray for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.May they sense the prayers of Your saints.Guide them with wisdom and prudence in the days ahead.We also pray for President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.May Your Spirit
A Prayer for the Real Work Read More »
Today, we thank You for election day.You have given us the opportunity to vote.We do not take our responsibility lightly as image-bearers. Remind us of Your second greatest commandment – to love our neighbor as ourselves.Let us love our Trump voting neighbor.Let us love our Biden voting neighbor.Let us love our third-party voting neighbor.Your love
A Prayer for Election Day 2020 Read More »
November pauses us to reflect in thankfulness of the past year. Finding gratitude in 2020 seems few and far between in several ways. The month has started with the anxiety and fears of a contested election. The pandemic has dredged forward with the tension of worry and frustration in our regular routines. Yesterday, I received
Finding Gratitude in a Pandemic and Polarizing Politics Read More »
This election has revealed the deep division in our society.It seems that no matter what, half of America will be angered by the results of Tuesday.Judgment has outdone mercy.Our search for truth has neglected grace.Our worst assumptions of others have guided us rather than compassion. Lord, You have lavished Your love on us – so
A Prayer for Our Brothers and Sisters Read More »
