light

  • Cleaning the House for Our Guest

         During the Advent season, we take a fearless, moral inventory of ourselves and of how we relate to those around us. To truly prepare, consider specific practices like prayer, reflection, or confession that help us remove the lent of… Continue reading

  • Finding God in a Chaotic World

    “Be still, and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46:10).      The season of Advent sounds excellent, but finding time to prepare and listen to God seems impossible. Through December, leading up to Christmas, we find ourselves bombarded by countless… Continue reading

  • A Light in the Middle of Our Darkness

    “We saw his star in the east[a] and have come to worship him” (Matt. 2:2b CEB).      Sometimes, I watch a New Mexico sundown and feel transfixed by the fantastic colors. One of my favorite moments is watching as the… Continue reading

  • Let Us Not Forget Joseph, the Father of Jesus, whose virtues of faithfulness and humility serve as a model for us all.

      “Joseph was a good man…” Matt. 1:19a).     The Bible highlights Joseph’s love for Mary and his choice to divorce her privately, emphasizing virtues that inspire us to embody kindness and obedience. This gentle act should motivate us to… Continue reading

  • Behold the Glory of God

    “Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to… Continue reading

  • What to Do When Faith Does Not Provide Answers

         As a pastor, I turn to my faith to provide answers to questions that often prove difficult and are beyond my ability to explain. When times get tough, I turn to my sacred texts to find a glimmer of… Continue reading

  • Doing Last Minute Errands to Finish

         My wife, Cazandra, and I just returned from last-minute shopping before the big day. She prepares a tray of this, a tray of that, and a mess of something. Our kitchen is the best place to be during the… Continue reading

    Doing Last Minute Errands to Finish
  • Doing Spiritual Work Brings Spiritual Joy

         As I sweep my spiritual floor clean, I notice something that gets my attention. Laying in a corner of my soul is a list of those who have hurt me. I want to go over and sweep with everything… Continue reading

    Doing Spiritual Work Brings Spiritual Joy
  • Where Do We Go from Here?

         I cannot help but think of the Jewish refugees reentering the land flowing with milk and honey after the exile. Jerusalem lay in ruins, and the first temple no longer existed. The word trauma seems to be an appropriate… Continue reading

    Where Do We Go from Here?
  • The End of the Beginning

         Today we celebrate the arrival of the Messiah. He is in Jerusalem now, so we wait for him to show his authority over the Romans. God will be with him, and in one fail swoop, he will reclaim the… Continue reading