Tag: Jesus

  • Safe Pasture in Strange Places

    Safe Pasture in Strange Places

    It happened early this past summer. A small herd of elk lumbered into town, grazing and then lying down in a grassy field across the street from a fitness center. It was quite a spectacle, all the more so as elk are naturally reclusive, even shy. Picture four young bulls, with full racks of antlers,…

  • What Did Jesus Do in Crisis?

    What Did Jesus Do in Crisis?

    Twenty-something years ago, WWJD? was a popular acronym: What Would Jesus Do? It’s a great thought, but is this completely discernible in the 21st century?  I’m fairly sure the Son of God wouldn’t post a picture of what He had for breakfast on Instagram, but how can one be certain? A better question is, What…

  • GPS Jesus

    GPS Jesus

    For the fine citizens of Wellington, Florida enough was enough. The baby Jesus was stolen from their community center nativity two years in a row! But during the next Noel they were ready–with a creative way to catch a crook. Christmas season number three featured a baby Jesus with a GPS locator onboard. Sheriff’s deputies…

  • Santa, the Grinch, and the Christ Child

    Santa, the Grinch, and the Christ Child

    This past week I greeted a kindergartner in the main office of our school, where I serve as an administrator. Rosa Maria (not her real name) had on a Santa hat and a Christmas themed outfit, so I asked her, “Are you one of Santa’s helpers?” She answered, “No, I’m Santa.” Then, the most fascinating…

  • Advent Reflections: Shadows of Joy

    Advent Reflections: Shadows of Joy

    Something amazing happened at our house one December day–we opened the blinds on our front door to let some sunshine into the house. No, that’s not the amazing part, though we are rarely home during the day to do this. I’m sitting at the kitchen table enjoying a mid-morning cup of coffee when Nancy says,…

  • Advent Reflections: Peace by Piece

    Advent Reflections: Peace by Piece

    The following story is historical fiction: straight out of my imagination but inspired by actual events. During World War II, Matsuko and her family were among the many Japanese Americans forcibly interned in camps. For three years she longed to return to the farm near Salinas, California where her husband Hayato’s family had grown strawberries…