Silent Night is a beautiful song. But “all is calm” likely didn’t describe the first Christmas night. Nor does it likely reflect the state of our homes or hearts heading into Christmas morning. 

We can get so caught up in the busyness, routine, and familiarity of Advent that we miss the main thing: Jesus isn’t focused on Christmas past but on his return.

As Christmas nears, what is the state of your heart? For many, the season holds little hope. In fact, it often reveals our unmet longings to be seen, known, and loved.

Every person and everything they create—from songs and movies to businesses and apps—has a specific worldview.

How we see the world is so essential. When God is at the center, our vision is focused. But the farther we get from him, the less we see what’s real. Our vision becomes blurred. 

If we wait until we feel fully qualified to take the next step, we’ll forever stay stuck where we are.

The world demands we align with whatever agenda the entertainment, business, educational, and political leaders hold up as important.

You likely don’t need more to do before Christmas. Including reading more about Christmas.

There’s something magical about someone telling us a story. Whether around a campfire, as we travel, or right before we fall asleep. It’s what children ask their parents for each night as they are tucked in bed: Will you tell me a story? 

To me, these daily readings are like handwritten notes I place into ancient seafoam green bottles and toss into the sea. As the water carries them away, I’m filled with hope as I imagine them washing ashore at just the right time for your heart and your art.

I recently got to the end of a long day and told my wife how exhausted I was. 

“What would restore you?” she asked.  It was the perfect question. And I didn’t have a clue.

We often refer to the moment of a breakthrough solution or idea as “when lightning strikes”. That sounds exhilarating, except for the fact that it’s not wise to hang out in a lightning storm.

Ever wonder why self-help books regularly top the bestseller lists? Perhaps it’s because we live in a world that sells us a self-centered life—and then convinces us we’ll get what we want through a self-made life.

I recently came across this stunning description from Madeleine L’Engle about the birth of an idea. I’m excited to share it with you. 

How would our lives change if we practiced gratitude in the midst of the unknown rather than making it dependent on a desired outcome?

As my super-talented creative designer and I considered potential images for these readings, I was drawn to a particular outdoor scene. It seemed the clear choice. But thankfully before we went with it, she did a little more research…

How do we take a project from initial idea to completed creation?  The world offers endless answers. None fully work.

Notice how time seems to accelerate the week after Thanksgiving? It’s the ever-present sense that, even though we just finished celebrating Thanksgiving, we’re already behind for Christmas.

I’ll admit it. I’m a big fan of the original Star Trek television and movie franchise. I’m referring to the ones with Captain Kirk, Spock, and Bones as played by William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and DeForest Kelly. My favorite quote occurred when Spock would raise his eyebrow and say, “There are always possibilities.”

This Thanksgiving, as you recount what you’re thankful for—include this good news:

The Lord has appointed me to tell the good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort those whose hearts are broken, to tell the captives they are free, and to tell the prisoners they are released. (Isaiah 61:1 NCV)