I grew up in the Lehigh Valley ofPennsylvania, first settled by Moravians, German speaking Protestants fromEastern Europe suffering persecution in the 17th and 18thcenturies. They chose biblical names fortheir communities. My hometown was Emmaus, for example. And it was a short distance from there toBethlehem, known as “The Christmas City.” The Moravians have many beautiful traditions and hymns for theholidays. One of my favorite Christmascarols is “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” One verse goes,..
There is a saying attributed to St. Augustine that lingers in my thinking. It has come to mind multiple times in the past several months as many I know are struggling to..
One of my core beliefs comes from a Haitian Proverb: "The Neighborhood is the Family."
I might as well just come right out and say it--sometimes I am a grumpy Christian. For the most part, no one knows except God, who is, sadly, all too aware. My face to..
Character. Conscience. Consequence. Courage. Everyone loves a good alliteration--the consistent sound of one letter followed by different combinations which help to link..
I look at the wonderful clock that my very grown daughter supplied for Christmas, 2024 and I smile at the thought of this child of mine--now in her 60’s. I nod to the..
As last year’s calendar comes down from the side of the refrigerator to be replaced with a new one, I reflect on this ritual that honors the passage of time. In this..
Standing at the front of the church, a young couple takes their vows and soon the recessional music signals their new journey as wife and husband has begun. I can recall..
Love… a simple word but such a staggeringly complex idea to put into action. As we approach the fourth Sunday in Advent when we will light the candle of love, let’s..
My memories of childhood Christmases blur together. Each year was much the same: the whole family trimming the tree, my brother and I decorating Christmas cookies, and..
