Advent Is Coming!
Our Blessed Mother is an ideal companion as we live through the days of Advent, which this year begins Sunday, December 2. For four weeks we wait for her Son, but Mary waited for nine months! Imagine what that time must have been like for her. She had never been a mother before, and hers […]
About Prayer: A Video Christmas Gift
Here is a Christmas gift for you! My nephew Andy videotaped my presentation on prayer that I gave at the South Euclid-Lyndhurst library on December 1. If you have time, you might enjoy watching it. Before I began, I asked the audience to state their name and their favorite prayer or favorite way of praying. […]
Reflections on the Manger in Bethlehem
The first chapter of my new book out this month, Voices: God Speaking in Creation, is “Manger.” It makes a fitting post this week as we celebrate Christmas . . . “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger” (Luke 2:7). Jesus […]
Symbolism in Christmas Customs
As I researched Christmas customs recently, I discovered the meaning behind some of them that many people, even Christians, are probably not aware of. I found the symbolism interesting. Maybe you will too. Christmas The name for this feast comes from “Christ Mass” because Mass was celebrated in honor of the birth of Christ. The […]
Christmas Cards: A Chore or a Chance
A friend of mine spends Christmas Day writing her cards. For one thing, this spares her from re-mailing cards to people who have moved. Another friend sends his cards in July. That way his card gets more attention and also reminds people of the Savior in the summer. Whether you purchase Christmas cards or create […]
Watch and Wait in Advent
On Black Friday I ventured out to find a new watch and immediately located the right one. However, it needed two links removed in order to fit. “Just a minute,” the clerk said as she tinkered with the links. She continued to say that for over an hour. At one point I volunteered to try […]
The Meaning of the Christmas Manger
To celebrate Christmas, here are excerpts from the chapter “Manger” in my first published (and republished) book Voices: Messages in Gospel Symbols. Jesus could have been born at home in Nazareth and placed in a wooden crib fashioned by his carpenter-father, Joseph. Instead, because he makes his appearance while his mother and father are en […]
Stars Above! Christmas Lights.
Last Thursday night I ventured out into the cold to view the meteor shower. During the half hour I spent with eyes glued to the sky I sighted two shooting stars. Then I went inside and saw one more on the Internet, thanks to the live camera NASA had set up in Alabama. I’m glad […]
