Silent Night, Holy Night, is the most beloved Christmas carol. This year, it will be sung around the world in more than 138 languages. Joseph Mohr wrote the original lyrics in German. Franz Gruber composed the melody. The two men sang the carol for the first time 191 years ago on Christmas Eve, 1818, at… Continue reading CHRISTMAS EVE WAS NOT SILENT
THE CHRISTMAS SUNRISE
I watched the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean this morning. What a sight! The golden rays of sunlight breaking through a few scattered clouds, were spectacular. It said darkness is vanishing and there is a great new day on the way. Each morning, the sunrise inspires me. I have the privilege of watching the sun… Continue reading THE CHRISTMAS SUNRISE
THE CHRISTMAS VISITOR
Christmas is a time to visit. No one wants to be alone at Christmas. During the Christmas season, you’ll probably have visitors at your house and you’ll probably visit the homes of others. Some of those visits will involve a trip across town; some may require a long trip. Some visits will be based on… Continue reading THE CHRISTMAS VISITOR
THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
The other day, someone asked me, “Have you got the Christmas spirit yet?” That innocent question got me thinking, what is the spirit of Christmas? To some people, the only spirits they will know this Christmas will come from a bottle. For many, the Christmas season is little more than an excuse to abuse their… Continue reading THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
GIVING THANKS FOR GOD’S INDESCRIBABLE GIFT
This week, we celebrate Thanksgiving Day in the United States. It’s an official holiday set aside to give thanks to God for his blessings. For some, however, it has degenerated into “Turkey Day,” a day for feasting and family gatherings. It seems for some, that acknowledging God and giving thanks to him is secondary. From… Continue reading GIVING THANKS FOR GOD’S INDESCRIBABLE GIFT
RESILIENCE: Bouncing Back From The Bottom
When I was a teenager, I remember listening to a famous boxing match on the radio. On December 10, 1958, Yvon Durelle, from New Brunswick, Canada fought Archie Moore for the Light Heavy Weight Championship of the world. Moore was famous; Durelle was an unknown. Moore was the world champion; Durelle was a nobody. Moore… Continue reading RESILIENCE: Bouncing Back From The Bottom
MY PAST WON’T LET ME GO
Helen grew up in a terrible environment. There was constant strife between her parents and she lived in constant tension. Her father bullied her badly. There was never an encouraging word, she never heard a compliment and she was beaten and abused. Helen has been married for more than 20 years but the memory of… Continue reading MY PAST WON’T LET ME GO
THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY – The Promise of the Almighty’s Presence, Protection and Provision
There’s something scary about shadows. When I was a boy, there was a mystery series on the radio called, “The Shadow.” The program began with eerie music that got your blood flowing. It was an intriguing program, built around mysterious events and suspicious characters. Have you ever walked down a brightly lit street at night… Continue reading THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY – The Promise of the Almighty’s Presence, Protection and Provision
ELIJAH – 7: Putting everything in order
This is the last of seven sermons on the life of Elijah. They are all listed under Insights for Preaching, Bible Characters. – Although Elijah was one of the most unique and spectacular individuals in the Bible, he was a “man just like us.” – From the moment he appeared in the king’s court, until… Continue reading ELIJAH – 7: Putting everything in order
Living With Wrong Choices
A while back, a lady in her 20’s came to see me. She’d been married for about four years and now there were a couple of children. “Pastor,” she said, “I’ve married the wrong man.” After hearing her story and discovering the facts, I concluded she was probably right. She had made a wrong choice… Continue reading Living With Wrong Choices