How to A.P.P.L.Y. God’s Word
Red, Green and Post-Christmas Blues
As I write this, it’s a mere few days after Christmas and I’m already seeing it: the post-Christmas blues. Instagram posts of Christmas decor abound with captions already lamenting the day it will have to be put away. Some are sad for the kids to have to go back to school (though I suspect some are not).
Reflecting & Resolving
In January 2016, my whole life shifted. I had just graduated college, accepted a job in “the Big City”, and was coming out of a season of sin. After my parents helped me settle into my new apartment and I hugged them goodbye, I sat alone in my new place. The unfamiliar sound of heavy traffic and uncomfortably close neighbors failed to drown out the wrestling within my mind.
Is 2020 Your Year to Read Through the Bible?
I have a confession to make. I have never read through the entire Bible in a year. I hope you do not judge me too quickly for that statement. I think the idea of reading through my Bible in one year has always seemed daunting. And knowing myself, I’d fizzle out by March, and by June I would be so far behind that I would give up.
Calling Jesus
Did you know that some scholars have located over 700 different titles and names in the Bible for God's one and only Son? Of course these names weren’t all recorded on Jesus’ official birth certificate. His childhood friends didn’t ask if the “Prince of Peace” could come out to play. His siblings didn’t call Him “Faithful and True”. And I’m confident His coworkers never yelled, “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” when trying to get His attention or saw that title written on His business card.
Come Thou Long Expected...Santa?
With Christmas quickly approaching, it’s the perfect time to stop for a minute and examine our hearts for the days ahead. It’s a tricky time of year. It’s extremely busy and our attention can easily become divided between celebrating Jesus’ birth and getting caught up in the Santa-centered and celebratory rush of gift exchanges, holiday parties and family traditions.
Wrap This One Up
Wrapping up one year and entering into the next brings with it mixed feelings. Years marked by pain or transition can’t end fast enough, while sweet seasons beg to be savored until the drop of the ball at midnight on December 31st. No matter the way one year ends and another starts, I have found it helpful (even therapeutic) to make time to reflect on the last twelve months and then dream about what I hope the coming days will hold.
No Home for the Holidays: 4 Ways to Reach the Lonely this Christmas
Growing up in Uganda, Christmas was always a big deal. I was constantly surrounded by both close and extended family during this time. We would swap stories from the year, go to church together and eat lots of good food. However, I never realized the importance and value of being surrounded by family during the Christmas season until I moved to this country for college.