This is an updated version of the first Christmas post I wrote for this blog ten years ago, 2015. I had no plans to write a blog for any length of time, much less ten years.

The same cover photo depicts a Biblical scene from the Christmas story. Some shepherds tending their flocks were visited by angels.

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.

And the angel said to them,

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!

Luke 2:11–14, ESV

Christmas manger display — For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace, there will be no end. (Isa. 9:6–7)
Photo by Dr. Aletha

Shepherds, Angels, and Two Soldiers

The cover image was on a Christmas card my husband, Raymond, and I received from our dear friends Bill and Greta Hart, whom we met at our church.

Like my husband, Bill was an Army veteran. Raymond served three years, including a tour in Vietnam. Bill was sent to Europe during World War II and was among the men who stormed Normandy on June 6 to liberate France.

Though they served in two very different wars, with different outcomes, Bill and Raymond bonded over their shared experience. They both carried invisible wounds of the mind and heart that others couldn’t see.

Bill was a professional artist, but art was not just his job. It was his therapy, a balm for his pain, a source for the peace he had fought for but did not feel himself.

So he drew this picture of the shepherds hearing the joyful message of peace coming to earth, put it on Christmas cards, and sent the message to his friends.

Both Bill and Greta have passed away after living into their 90s. They remained faithful members of our church. He continued drawing and painting until the day he died. With her sister, Greta taught Bible lessons after school in local elementary schools. With her passing, other women have continued her mission.

Thoughts

Who is missing in your life this holiday season? What thoughts come to your mind as you remember them? What feelings stir in you?

What do you want others to remember about you? What will you do now to make that happen?

Exploring the HEART of Health

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How to Dwell on Advent

Many people find using their phones a convenient way to read and meditate on the Bible. And it’s easy to do so with the Dwell Bible App. With Dwell you can listen to and read the Bible and special devotional offerings for Advent, Lent, and throughout the year.

Screenshot of the Advent offerings on the Dwell app

Proverbs ESV (English Standard Version)

A man’s spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? 18:14

A joyful heart is good medicine,

but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. 17:22

statue of 3 men dancing and playing instruments — This photo by Dr. Aletha, taken in Miami Beach, Florida. Featured image of JOY tiles from Lightstock.com (an affiliate link)

A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. 15:13

The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones. 15:30

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