It was Boxing Day when my husband spied the wishbone on the windowsill and called our two youngest children into the kitchen. “Wrap your pinky finger around it like this,” he demonstrated. “Now, each of you, make a wish and pull.” Our fourteen-year-old daughter knew exactly what she wanted. If … [Read more...] about The Gift That’s Perfect (Whether Life Is or Not)
christmas
The Consolation of Christmas
Last night we slept through the longest night of the year. Those of us who got any sleep, that is. Churches held “Blue Christmas” or “Longest Night” services for anyone needing time and space to acknowledge their pain and grief. And if any year deserved such a service where I come from, it would be … [Read more...] about The Consolation of Christmas
The Weight of Waiting
Are you counting down the days to Christmas? I can hardly believe that in less than a week we will be enjoying the feasting and merriment of Christmas Day. It seems the way Advent has fallen on the calendar this year, with the fourth Sunday actually landing on Christmas Eve, the wait is passing by a … [Read more...] about The Weight of Waiting
The Best Christmas Story
This is an updated version of an article that first appeared at RadicalStory.com in 2020 Christmas is in full swing once again. Homes are decorated with string lights, Santas and reindeer. Stores are full of frantic Christmas shoppers. Everywhere you look there are office Christmas parties, gift … [Read more...] about The Best Christmas Story
Pack Away Christmas, Not Jesus
It’s time to pack away Christmas and I’m ready. To be honest it’s early for me, but this year I feel more than ready. I’m taking down the all decorations, ornaments and lights, and packing them away until next December. My pretty white ceramic angels get carefully wrapped and placed … [Read more...] about Pack Away Christmas, Not Jesus
Christmas in Life’s Messiness
I had this article neatly written out in my head last night. It was going to be a sweet little piece about the joys of having children. I was helping my daughter overcome her fears of the dark and thought, “Isn’t this nice. I can bring such comfort just by being here. Motherhood is so … [Read more...] about Christmas in Life’s Messiness
