World news and commentary: February 2024
Another victim in war: Christmas Christians in war-torn areas of our world have suffered severely. This year, Christmas itself suffered too. Consider two major theaters of war—Israel and Ukraine. In…
Advent devotions
Gather around the Advent wreath for quiet time during the busy holiday season. Each week, light the appropriate candle(s) and prepare for Jesus’ coming with a devotion about the hope,…
Advent devotion: Peace
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,…
Sympathy +
“I’m so sorry.” “I’m sorry for your loss.” “You have my sympathy.” I’m sure you recognize those statements, and you can probably picture a very common setting where they are…
“My life”: Part 1
Jesus laid down his life so that life comes to us. “Mine!” cries the two-year-old to his one-year-old sister who has unknowingly laid hands on a favorite toy. “It’s my…
You are forgiven
A woman distraught over her sins finds Jesus’ love and forgiveness at the cross. She sits across from me. Hunched over. Shoulders slumped. Hands covering her face. Sobs convulsing her.…
It’s time to forget
God doesn’t remember any of our failures. Neither should we. I rest my hand lightly on my wife’s because it hurts her too much when I hold it. From her…
Now what?
“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of…
Do you mind if I come in?
“While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ . . . Then he opened their minds so they…