At this time of our beginning Australian summer, most of our early mornings are mild, bright, and as yet relievingly flyless. Our many lakes, dams, pools, and ocean inlet waters are glass-still, attractively revealing mirror-like reflections of the sky and … Read more

Most of us are familiar with Strong's concordance, but did you know that Dr. James Strong spent 35 years preparing this remarkable dictionary of the Hebrew Bible and the Greek Testament before it was published in 1890? Or that every … Read more

After Christmas, there is always that in-between time when we all reflect about what's happened throughout the year, and then anxiously anticipate what lies ahead of us. We may get nostalgic or melancholy, depending upon what has occurred throughout the … Read more

We just got our first Good Food Box. This community-based plan encourages people to eat fresh, local produce at affordable prices. We ordered the "small box" for ten dollars and got so much produce that it could fit into the … Read more

In late November, I joined a group of around thirty people, and we visited a local prison. Our mission was to set up a mini-store and allow selected prisoners to choose gifts for their children. Then we boxed and shipped … Read more

When my husband and I were college students, we needed a chesterfield. There was a bargain on sale in Eaton's in Montreal, and the price was good, so we took it. It was a miserable pale brown colour, and I … Read more

My hometown has become a medical centre for the southwestern part of the state in which I live. In fact, the medical profession is the largest business in our area, creating jobs and bringing outsiders in. People from other areas … Read more

In late fall of the year when I was in second grade, I found out something that changed me. One of the girls on my street told me that Santa wasn't real. I ran right to my dad, and he … Read more

I'll never forget that Christmas Eve. The sanctuary was beautifully decorated with all the trimmings. After the children had re-enacted the nativity story, the baby Jesus was left in the manger under the Christmas tree standing right beside the pulpit. … Read more

The voices of about three thousand college students, including my son and daughter, singing the words to the song, "Lion Of Judah" by Paul Wilbur, is one of the most inspiring anthems of praise I have ever heard. Listening to … Read more

Recently we have had a wolf in our area. One of our friends' dogs was attacked, killed, and eaten one morning last week. The other night around 1:00 a.m., another of our neighbour's dogs roused me from sleep by coming … Read more

Paul begins his first letter to the Corinthians with words of thanksgiving — thanksgiving for the people of Corinth and for all the spiritual gifts that God has given to them. Paul's words remind me of a very special gift … Read more

There are so many fables and stories, customs and events attached to our current celebrations of Christmas that it is sometimes hard to distinguish what is real, important, and true. We spend so much energy and effort in promoting, upholding, … Read more

For years, I spoiled Christmas surprises by scrounging the house for carefully hidden presents. Mom thought she'd stymie us by wrapping them, but I had a knack for sliding off ribbon and paper and neatly replacing it. The trouble is … Read more

I would have been around eight years old as one particular Christmas was approaching. We lived in the Parkdale area of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Our old rented house on Roncesvalles Avenue was a quaint house, as I remember it, with … Read more

In this morning's e-mails was a picture of a dog sleeping in an open air manger, outside a church. Real cute! The dog is said to be abandoned and found comfort at the feet of the baby Jesus. There is … Read more

I was quietly dreading the day, even though it was such a small thing and would be over in a minute or two. Having my blood taken was definitely not my favourite way to start the day. As I was … Read more

I love this time of year, and especially the weeks that lead up to Christmas. No matter where I go, I hear Christmas music and carols everywhere. Christianity is a singing faith, and I like to think that the songs … Read more

In Matthew's gospel, we have a mere capsular account of one of the most miraculous happenings in the history of mankind and the world. Not only did a new star appear in the heavens at the precise moment in time … Read more

Several years ago, during the opening of Christmas presents at our house, my son and his wife had bought a very special toy for their son, and they were very excited in anticipation of his opening it. He was only … Read more

"Missing Christmas? How absurd!" That was what I thought my husband would say when I told him that I wanted to miss Christmas this year, but he didn't, and we will be doing Christmas in a different way this year. … Read more

Early one morning, I opened the living room curtains and looked out at the Morning Star and marvelled at its brightness. Then later over breakfast, I watched amazed as the television showed the galaxy of stars in space — so … Read more

At this time of year, I usually tune my car radio to a station that plays Christmas music all day long throughout the month of December. I like the old familiar songs that I grew up with. Most mornings, you'll … Read more

Recently I had cause to remember the wonderful blessing I received after giving my last few dollars to a friend in need. Many years ago, money was really scarce in our home. We had three children to feed and clothe, … Read more

Some fifty years ago, some people gave of their very special family time, their talents, and their gifts to bring the joy of Christmas to a very mixed group of strangers, whom they would never see or contact again for … Read more

During the Christmas season, I appreciate the memories of simpler times when the warmth and charm of an old-fashioned greeting or handwritten letter was something to be cherished. Every year, I enjoy reading over many cards and personal correspondence I … Read more

When I am on guard duty at our local jail, I often play the word game Scrabble® with myself. As we do not have access to the Internet, a friend gifted me with a travel-sized game, and I sit and play for hours with "me" and … Read more

Q: What's the best way to keep Christ in Christmas? A: Go to church on Sundays. It always amazes me that so many people complain that Christmas just isn't the same, and yet they never seem to connect their spiritual … Read more

This Scripture verse regarding God's indescribable gift has been written on every card my sister has sent or given to me my whole life — not just at Christmas, but on other occasions as well. I have often wondered what … Read more

For years, prior to Christmas, we have filled a special box for a child. It is a joy to do it, for I do not have grandchildren of my own on which to lavish my love. Instead, I think of … Read more

Even as early as a month or more beforehand, the throbbing has already begun! The very air has begun to feel charged with excitement and joy, for Christmas is on its way. The approaching celebration of the birth of baby … Read more