Tag Archives: Christmas

Nothing revitalizes the wonder of an old story like telling it to someone who is hearing it for the first time. The anticipation of Advent hit my heart during a special season of retelling this Story to friends who had not yet heard. “Come, oh, come, Emmanuel!” was the heart-cry of my listeners as they learned of our need of …

‘Tis the season to start stressing. Not because of shopping. Not from all the traveling. Simply because it’s time to get together with family, and you know there’s but one question burning on everyone’s mind … “So, are you seeing anyone?” If you’re like me, the hair on your arms just stood up. It is possibly the most dreaded moment …

I had just left my husband. I had also just broken up with the man with whom I was having an affair. I was alone. I thought I wanted to be alone, and then on Christmas day I felt the gravity of my decision. I was at my parents’ house surrounded by my siblings. Two of them were married, and …

Ah, the holiday season! How’s a single to endure the endless parade of happy couples at the holiday staff parties, neighborhood parties, family parties and parties with friends? By drinking, of course! Now don’t pretend that discussions of alcohol aren’t relevant on a Christian website. The hard truth is that the holiday season is a common trigger, even for the …

December is a strange animal—it brings out the highest highs, but also the lowest lows. For many people, December and Christmas time are the most depressing times of the year. If you are dreading this season, why not turn the tables and make something merry and bright out of it? It’s easy to sit and stew in all the reasons …

Christmas. Advent. Yuletide. You’re here again. Neighbors have safely scurried down from their ladders. Houses are lit. Trees are lit. Nativity scenes are set up. Choir concerts. Ugly sweater parties. Holly and ivy. Red and green ribbons. Frazzled shoppers have exhaled a sigh of relief as they finally pull out of the mall traffic. Zales, Jared’s, Kay and your local …

The approaching Christmas holiday can cause stress for single parents. I remember standing in the checkout line at Toys”R”Us a few days before the first Christmas after the divorce. I had to wait until I received my December paycheck before I could buy my three kids’ presents. Most single parents struggle to provide Christmas for their children. These four simple …

‘Tis the season for gift giving, gift returning and gift exchanging. As we prepare for the upcoming holiday parties, the traditional white elephant gift exchange comes to mind. I’ve had my fair share of white elephant gift exchanges. Some that ended pretty well and others that resulted in me leaving with the dreaded can of tomato soup, the lovely four …

Aaron Shust is a well-known Christian recording artist and songwriter who has received Dove Awards for Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and New Artist of the Year. His songs My Savior, My God, My Hope Is In You, and To God Alone are beautiful examples not only of his musical ability, but also of his heart of worship and His …