The week between Christmas and New Year has a different feel to it.The rush is over. The decorations are still up. The calendar is thin. And nostalgia has a way of sneaking in. Nostalgia is a strange mix—wistful remembrances of times full of laughter and joy, and memories heavy with tears and grief. Life, it turns out, is almost always both/and. Sometimes our minds favor one side and push the other away. We question our own memories.Were things really that…
Christmas is familiar—almost too familiar. We know the songs. We know the scenes. We know how the story goes. And familiarity has a way of dulling the weight of truth. One of the most radical claims of Christmas is found right at the beginning of the story, tucked into one of its very first scenes. One of the most glorious truths of the incarnation is contained in an ancient promise and a simple name. “All this took place to fulfill…
The following is the remembrance I shared at the memorial service of my father-in-law, Jeff Shisler. We are grateful for his legacy. ********** I have the privilege of remembering Dad on behalf of the sons-in-law, though I know Gene will share additional reflections later during the gospel message. One of the unique things about my relationship with Dad Shisler is that he knew me long before Pam and I were even together. Going to church here at Faith, our mothers…
“…to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death.” — Luke 1:79 It’s a strange place to be—experiencing grief during the holidays. Christmas is supposed to feel light. Warm. Joyful. But sometimes it doesn’t. I have to confess, this is my first personal brush with grief at Christmas. Two years ago, we did a sermon series on The Colors of Christmas, and on the first Sunday of Advent we observed a “Blue Christmas,” acknowledging that for…