By Mary Wenzl The Christmas carol, “What Child is This,” has been my favorite carol since I was a little girl. I loved the melodious tune and the words. I sing in the alto range, and the song usually has a lovely harmony part that is easy for me to sing. It was one of the first …
O Come All Ye Faithful
By Katie Kafka I find myself meditating on the words of this familiar Christmas Carol and appreciate how the progression of the song brings me to a meaningful mindset during Advent season. Journeying through the lyric brings essential words to the heart of a Christian not only during Christmas time, but also throughout the entire …
O Holy Night
Written in the mid-1800s to commemorate the renovation of an organ in a small village church in France, O Holy Night has known its fair share of popularity and controversy over the years. Did you know the music itself was written by a Jewish composer who also wrote the scores to many ballets and operas? …
Away in a Manger
Away in a Manger Away in a manger, no crib for his bed,The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.I love thee, Lord …
Whispers from God
This week we saw a very different side of Elijah. A fragile side. A vulnerable side. A very human side. What blessed me the most about this season in Elijah’s journey was how God showed up. He didn’t judge. He didn’t scold. He didn’t abandon Elijah at his neediest. He was there. Always and completely …
Two Choices
By Gail Peo Do you ever wonder how people can hear or see the same things and come to radically different conclusions? Elijah knew that the Israelites were torn between two opinions: following the LORD or following Baal. He proposed a challenge to the people to determine who was the superior god. “Now let them …
The Holy Spirit and Fire
By Katie Kafka Let's dig deeper into the miraculous moment on Mount Carmel where God’s glory is on full display (1 Kings 18:30-40). We see His power outshine pagan gods and pagan efforts at a place where pagan worship was normative, even legislated. Our study gives us a chance to pause and explore who God …
Showdown on Mount Carmel
By Jessica McKillip Finally, after three and a half years of drought, everyone is gathered at Mount Carmel for what most believed would be the ultimate showdown. King Ahab is there with 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of the Asherah. Elijah stands alone. Elijah asks the people, “‘How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the …
Running Toward the Fire
You’ve got to love Obadiah, don’t you? He’s relatable. An ordinary man going about his day job, and yet God used him to do some important things. He’s been given a bad rap about his obvious fear, but that’s what makes him so relatable, right? Who isn’t afraid when life hangs in the balance? That’s …
Refined by Family
This week, we’re looking at how God provided for Elijah after his solitude and before his showdown. God put Elijah in a home and with a family. To understand what makes this scene in Elijah’s story so important, let’s get back to the beginning with the very first family. The Bible tells us that in …
Equip Her 