Category Archives: Christmas

The Kind of Teaching We Need Most

Posted on December 19, 2016 by

I posted these thoughts three years ago, but they came to mind again yesterday during carol-singing at church, and I realized anew how much I am in need of this kind of teaching: While most churches don’t crack open hymnals … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Teaching, Uncategorized | 5 Comments

A Season Not To Remember

Posted on December 28, 2012 by

This week I lost track of the hot air blowing around the Capitol and the wintery winds blowing across the nation. Headlines from home whipped me back to another life in which I taught fifth grade. During those six years, … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Pain, Teaching | Leave a comment

The Trappings of Tradition

Posted on December 24, 2012 by

For the first time ever, I am not home for Christmas. The airlines outpriced me on flights from and to the uttermost ends of the Lower 48, so – with parental blessing – I decided to stay put for the … Continue reading →

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The Host of Christmas Past

Posted on January 5, 2012 by

I just spent two hours swapping furniture between my dining room and living room because I’m getting ready to host a Christmas dinner party that exceeds the square footage of my dining room. I do realize Christmas is past, but not entirely. … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Epiphany | 2 Comments

Finding Our Footing

Posted on January 1, 2012 by

Welcome to the new year! My Christmas tree is still up (until after Epiphany), but I’m definitely ready to start jogging off the Christmas calories and to start blogging again. In case you’ve forgotten, we’re in Daniel 2, a chapter … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Daniel 2, The Book of Daniel | Leave a comment

Of Xmas and Other X-things

Posted on December 12, 2011 by

’Tis the season for getting upset about people using “X” in place of “Christ” in “Christmas.” I don’t deny that a good number of people do want to take “Christ” out of “Christmas,” but using “Xmas” isn’t really the way … Continue reading →

Posted in Aramaic, Christmas, Daniel 2, Daniel 3, Daniel 4, Daniel 5, Daniel 6, Daniel 7, How to read the Bible, The Book of Daniel | 11 Comments

“Grinch” as a Verb

Posted on December 3, 2011 by

It was Christmas 1997, and my church singles group was out spreading holiday cheer. On this particular Saturday, we were taking Christmas to a needy family whose name we had received from the local Rescue Mission. We had spent weeks … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Pain | 2 Comments