Calling Elizabeth ... HELP! by Tricia GoyerMary, the mother of Jesus is one of the most well-known women of all time. She was also a teen mom facing an unplanned pregnancy. This Christmas we will see evidence of Mary's story all around us. And as you hear it through Christmas songs and Christmas shows think of three things:1. Mary was signed up for a big task she wasn't prepared for.2. Mary no … [Read more...]
12 Pearls of Christmas: The Answer
The Answerby Susan May WarrenWhos, Here, we are Whos here, smaller than the eye can see. Whos here, we are Whos here, I'm a Who and so is she...I've always wanted to live in a musical. When I was a kid, I loved Oklahoma, Sound of Music, West Side Story. I seriously thought that, if the moment was right, maybe the stars aligned, people would break out into song and dance.I was sorta right. Because … [Read more...]
12 Pearls of Christmas: Christmas in a Barn
Christmas in a Barnby Mary DeMuthThe Christmas of 2006 we were homeless. We didn't have keys. Not to a car, not to a home. We'd flown halfway around the world, leaving behind a ministry we toiled over. Much, particularly in our hearts, lay in ruins.Some friends had a camp, and on that camp stood a barn. In the corner of the barn was a tiny apartment, flanked by this caboose and hundreds of acres … [Read more...]
12 Pearls of Christmas: The Pearls We Pass Down
The Pearls We Pass Downby Holley GerthTen years ago my Grandma Frances went home to heaven in her sleep just before Christmas.My Grandpa carefully handed me a brightly-wrapped box on Christmas morning and said, "This is her gift. Now I want you to have it."I opened the lid slowly and tears came to my eyes as I saw a lovely string of pearls.My Mom gently helped me fasten them around my neck. As I … [Read more...]
12 Pearls of Christmas: Listening for Christmas
LISTENING FOR CHRISTMASby Deb KalmbachI used to be the queen of over-commitment, and December brought out the worst in this malady. It was as if I were poised at an imaginary starting line, and when I flipped the calendar page, I was off and running--the December dash!You could hardly see any white space on my daily planner it was so jammed with events. Kids' Christmas programs, church programs, … [Read more...]