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 …
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 …
Rejoice Always!
Rejoice always! Paul’s words in Philippians chapter 4 are a tall order. Always? How is that even possible? Christmas time is, without doubt, a time of joy. The angel declared it that first Christmas night, “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy that will be to all people.” If ever there were a …
Shout the Good News
By Mary Wenzl “Psst . . . Psst” “What?” “Come closer, I have a secret to tell you.” “Okay, what?” “Today in Bethlehem, a child was born who will be the King of the world.” “Wow, that is astounding!” “Yes! Now, tell no one. It is a secret. Keep the secret to yourself.” “Okay, I …
Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room
By Sheryl Murray For the first time in many years our family is having a family reunion. What precipitated the event was my sister and her Turkish husband being able to visit from Germany. Everyone wants to see them, of course. So, one sister and husband are driving in from Chicago; another is driving up …
Learning to Wait
We live in a culture of hurry, driving us to brighter and better and more, as if we don’t already have what we need. What does it look like for us to wait on the Lord?
Son of God, Love’s Pure Light
By Renee Meyer We began our Advent journey at Lincoln Berean with the question "What if this Christmas were different?" We were invited to have a Hope-Filled Christmas by replacing Busy. Stressed. Consumerism. Exhaustion. with a Christmas full of Worship. Generosity. Presence. Love. And most of us are having a very different Christmas: A holiday …
Fully Present
By Courtney Lee “Mom! Mommy… MOM!!!” (looking up from my phone) “Yes hunny?” “Watch!” (glancing their way) “Uh huh! Great job, sweetie.” (back to phone) “Mom! Did you see? Mom! Did you?” “Yep, baby! Good job.” “Mom! You’re not watching! How will you seeee meee if you’re not watching?” “I’m right here, love— like literally …
A Generous Heart
By Cheryl Hansen Generosity is a noun that is defined as a readiness or liberality in giving. Typically, generosity adds something of value to our character when we help someone else out. A lot of “feel good” emotions that give us the warm and fuzzy feelings are released when we surprise an unsuspecting person by …