Authored by Mara Hodler

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”1

This is a big life lesson. There is a time for everything. There are seasons. This is really good news … and not such great

Authored by Peter van Gorder (a guest contribution)

Authored by Tina Kapp

Picture a magical time and place where your birthday is coming up and everyone is excited! Starting a month before your birthday, you began seeing birthday signs going up and people decorating their houses and stores with colors and trinkets that heralded your upcoming birthday.

Authored by Jewel Roque

On a rare day that I actually had a bit of time to do some organizing, I came to a realization about myself (not the most impressive one): I have a lot of “unfinished business,” at least with personal projects. When I receive work with a deadline, I strive to accomplish that in a timely fashion. Because someone

Authored by Tina Kapp

An important part of the Christmas story is the appearance of angels to mere mortals in order to pass on the exciting news of Jesus’ coming.

I grew up reading and singing about angels and their Christmas

Authored by Mara Hodler

Just about everyone is excited to receive a gift. Whether you’re handed a carefully wrapped package tied with a ribbon, or something that wasn’t fussed over at all, there is just something wonderful about knowing that you were thought of. Someone cared enough to think about what you would like, shopped for it

Authored by Michael Basham (a guest contribution)

I know this won’t sound like the typical Christmas story. Asian Christmases are rarely typical, though, and as an American living abroad, the tendency is to feel that for all intents and purposes, Christmas doesn’t even exist on this side of the planet.

Authored by Tina Kapp

If you’re like me, when Christmas comes around, you have an idea of what the perfect Christmas should be like. Maybe you have a mental picture of the perfect tree and decorations, somewhere ideal to go on holiday, the perfect Christmas dinner surrounded by family and friends, eggnog, Christmas cake, or

Authored by Mara Hodler

Every year I look forward to Christmas. I love how pine boughs and red ribbon transform the drab corners of a home into a cozy wonderland. Christmas music carries me to happy memories of Christmases past and fills me with anticipation for the season. Each year, as I decorate and put up our tree, I am amazed at all

Authored by Gabriela Farmer (a guest contribution)

One of my most memorable Christmases marked the end of the year that I spent in a wheelchair.

At the beginning of that summer, I had torn the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in my right knee in a sports accident, and

Authored by Jewel Roque

When I was growing up, Christmas was always a magical time. Every activity was held in joyous anticipation. Decorating a delicately scented pine tree with lights and trinkets. Baking delicious Christmas cookies and enjoying the scents that wafted through the air.

Authored by Tina Kapp

I’m reflecting on Christmas and all the wonderful stories and traditions that make it so special. I love the music, the special food, the extra activities we do with friends and family, the decorations—especially when houses and streets get lit up with hundreds of lights.

Authored by Jewel Roque

Why do I always wish for a perfect Christmas?

I have an image of one in my head—one that I can’t even fully describe. It’s nostalgic, soft and cozy, magical, and memorable. But year after year, I find myself feeling disappointed when

Authored by Daniel Roselle

“We finally have our tickets,” my wife said; with an upbeat tone in her voice she added, “and thank the Lord we have 50 dollars in change.” This was when we were traveling from the United States to Panama in the late ’70s. We had saved some money, but not nearly enough for our family of five to set up in a new country. I was definitely thankful for the extra cash, but

Authored by Dan Roselle

I’d exchanged emails with Matt for a week or so regarding a business issue, and we had agreed to meet at Starbucks so we could discuss things in person.

I’ve always believed, as the Bible says, that “the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.”1 Or, as one translation put

Authored by Marie Story

There’s no historical record of the date of Jesus’ birth. There has been speculation—some say it was in the spring, others say it was in the fall—but no one really knows for sure what day He was born. There’s no historical evidence that He was born on December 25th. We’re also pretty sure there wasn’t a Christmas tree, turkey, or carolers in attendance. So why do we

Authored by Dia

It’s almost Christmas! Decorations, gifts, yummy food, and carols await. It marks the passing of time and is celebrated by many the world over.

Just like anything else where there is heightened excitement and anticipation, you are also more susceptible to

Authored by T.M.

Ebenezer Scrooge and the Grinch—ever sympathized with them as the Christmas season descends? Or perhaps not to that extreme, but you don’t feel the warm fuzzies that everyone else has? And would you like to figure out how to have a better Christmas this year?