Feb 5, 2026 | Uncategorized
I look for leadership and see lies I look for justice and see prejudice I look for mercy and see mockery Cruelty is not a strength Fear is not a foundation Hatred is not a virtue Hatred has a face And a voice And targets Targets whose names I...
Jan 22, 2026 | Uncategorized
Image: Barbara Ryther Joy Cometh Joy doesn’t wait for sadness or fear to move aside and make way It comes in its own time It may come quietly The sight of the first crocus braving the old gray snow cover The taste of your grandmother’s Christmas cookies...
Jan 7, 2026 | Uncategorized
The Gift of the Mage The mage packed for the journey, sending his wife to pick out a present. “Who is this for, anyway?” “A baby.” “So… a blanket? Tapestry?” “He’s supposed to be the Messiah, maybe? A king? That’s what the prophecies say.” “Better bring something...
Dec 23, 2025 | Uncategorized
Image: Kathryn Yingst Finding Bethlehem It was an especially frigid night. “Will you come with me? Let’s go and see,” I said to my husband. I had wanted to get a better view of the super moon. We put on extra layers and headed to the shore. Pulling up to the beach,...
Dec 11, 2025 | Uncategorized
Image: Melanie Kyer Advent Wreath Traditions This is our family’s Advent wreath. (It’s more of an Advent “plate,” really). I bought it in Kiel, Germany, when I was studying there in 1997. The traditional wooden choir figures are also from that year, bought at a famous...
Nov 20, 2025 | Uncategorized
GRACE I sometimes joke that if I ever win Megabucks I am going to start a foundation called “The Undeserved Grace Foundation.” This always leads my sister Laura to remind me that Grace, the love of God, freely given to his children is always undeserved. We grew up in...