a poem for Advent The first six months were dark and still. He moved, of course, as babies will, but to his mother gave no sign of insight into things divine. So tightly coiled the prophet lay awaiting the appointed day. No star shone in that darkened room, no angel glory pierced the … Continue reading The first six months
Advent & Christmas
Blood and Water
I wrote this meditation a few years ago. May it bless you this season as we remember the messy, marvelous humility and love of the one who came "not in water only, but in water and in blood" (1 John 5:6). Blood and water outward burst a sudden stab – … Continue reading Blood and Water
Seasonal Family Devotional Bookmark
A couple of months ago, I posted a series of devotional readings for Advent and Christmastide, which walked through the highlights of the Old Testament and the Christmas narratives from the gospels. Then, just last week I shared a plan for reading through the Gospel of Mark throughout the season of Lent, supplemented by … Continue reading Seasonal Family Devotional Bookmark
Christ is Born: A New Christmas Carol
I love Christmas carols. From standards like "Joy to the World" and "What Child Is This" to lesser-known carols such as "The Wexford Carol" or "The Holly and the Ivy," I love singing and listening to the traditional songs that celebrate the birth of Jesus. This is a carol that I wrote a couple of … Continue reading Christ is Born: A New Christmas Carol
From Longing to Rejoicing: Devotional Readings for Advent & Christmastide
Updated 11/29/2017: Last Spring I introduced a Seasonal Family Devotional Bookmark as a helpful tool. It includes the readings for Advent & Christmastide as well as Lent & Eastertide. Updated 2/28/2017: After some beta testing, I've slightly revised this devotional plan to make some of the readings shorter and more suitable for reading in a … Continue reading From Longing to Rejoicing: Devotional Readings for Advent & Christmastide
The Coming of the Savior
Christians around the world are observing the season of Advent. This is not the same as Christmas, the celebration of the incarnation and birth of our Savior. Traditionally, Christmastide begins on December 25 and runs for 12 days (hence the song with the partridge) until Epiphany on January 6. Christmas is a time to celebrate … Continue reading The Coming of the Savior
Nurturing the Spiritual Life of My Kids
These days, my four-year-old son is learning a whole host of new skills, like writing the alphabet, singing in tune, riding a bike, and drawing ladybugs. He's making up jokes and figuring out how to cut a sandwich (see picture) and covering his mouth when he coughs. He's developing the desire and ability to be … Continue reading Nurturing the Spiritual Life of My Kids
yesterday-today-forever.com 