Word&Way Voices

One of the themes emphasized through Christmas and Advent — and that we need in the new year — is hope. To hope is to have confidence in something or someone.

In the wee hours of the morning on Dec. 25, parents everywhere were frantically assembling toys to be presented to children just a few hours hence. No doubt, about 2:00 a.m., some mom or dad remembered an old adage: “When everything else fails, read the instructions.”

It’s officially the New Year and with the rolling of the calendar, most of us have made some well-intentioned resolutions.

As we visit with friends at church, work and around town, I’m reminded that in regard to our spiritual life, there are many of us who resolve to spend more time in the Bible and give more sacrificially, especially with the rolling of the calendar.

When was the last time you gave your testimony? Is there anything in your life that you are thankful for?

My testimony is that God has been with me through both insignificant and momentous events.

I began listening to Christmas music in October. Don’t judge me. The season goes fast and I love the carols of our faith.

And that leads me to make a plea. Please, please, please, could we be done, forever, with Christmas Wars?

Now that we’re staring down the days until Christmas, we have more warmth and cheer to look forward to with family, church family and friends, as the holidays continue. And yet

Each year around this time, we hear a lot about being thankful. We have a lot to be thankful for, we hear, and yet the collective national mood has been one that has seemed to be particularly ungrateful.

Despite what the world thinks, God uses unique means and ways to be in relationship with people. God’s desire to be in relationship with the world is best understood through the actions and teachings of Jesus the Christ. This may not always make sense to the world, but God’s wisdom always trumps ours.

It was 40 years ago, but I remember it like yesterday. My sister called, “We took Mom to the hospital today. It’s her heart. Doesn’t sound good.”

Last summer, I had the privilege of hearing noted author Brian McLaren speak several times at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly. During one of the Q&A sessions, I asked him a question which had been rolling around in my mind for quite some time. “What is the difference between patriotism and nationalism?”