Such-and-such is my “cross to bear.” It’s an expression people use. Someone dealing with chronic pain might say it is their “cross to bear.” Another person who takes care of a loved one in need might say it is their “cross to bear.”We’ve been spending some time thinking about carrying a cross in light of … Continue reading What you’re gaining vs giving up
generosity
The generosity of Saint Nicholas
When most people think about Christmas they also think about Santa Claus, the jolly red-suited man who magically brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve. But where did he come from? Has he always been associated with Christmas? And is it true that he is based on a man named Saint Nicholas? In regards to … Continue reading The generosity of Saint Nicholas
Whoever is kind to the needy
In the ancient world, being poor was an incredibly desperate situation. If you didn’t have family to take you in, you were basically thrown into a world of hunger, begging, stereotypes, ridicule, slave labour, prostitution or violence. Christians or Jews often came into the picture and provided much-needed help. But beyond that, you were basically … Continue reading Whoever is kind to the needy
You shall have as much again, and 10 times more
In The Pilgrim’s Progress, two characters named Gaius and Mr. Honest have a poetic exchange: “A man there was (though some did count him mad),The more he cast away the more he had.He who bestows his goods upon the poor,Shall have as much again, and ten times more.”* There’s truth in that, isn’t there? People … Continue reading You shall have as much again, and 10 times more
Sundaes, waitresses, and Jesus
A young boy went into a diner. The waitress asked for his order. “How much for a sundae?”, he asked. “Four dollars.” The boy searched through his change and started putting coins on the counter, tallying up his total as he went along. The waitress was very busy. She rolled her eyes but didn’t say … Continue reading Sundaes, waitresses, and Jesus
Radical generosity
Much is made of the radical generosity of those first followers of Jesus. Acts 2:44-45 tells us that “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” Not everyone did this (as other stories show), but many of them did. It was … Continue reading Radical generosity
Your intentions, not theirs
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done” (Proverbs 19:17). There are times when we talk ourselves out of helping others because we think they’re not deserving of our help. Or maybe we simply assume they’ll squander our generosity on something they shouldn’t. … Continue reading Your intentions, not theirs
The origins of Santa
It’s Christmas Eve! Millions of children from all around the world are anticipating a visit from Santa Claus—who is probably going to be wearing a mask and washing his hands a few billion times, but that’s a discussion for another day. A quick look at his origins is kind of fun. But more importantly, it … Continue reading The origins of Santa
The gift you give and get at the same time
People make money. Older people and younger people. Some make a lot and some make a little. Some run companies and some deliver newspapers. And many do a whole bunch of other things. But WHY do we make money? Well, sure, we make money to provide for our needs. It’s nice to have food, clothes, … Continue reading The gift you give and get at the same time
#Blessed?
#Blessed is a really popular hashtag, especially at this time of year. When posting pics many people—including myself—will say we’re somehow #blessed and that God has been good to us. To be honest, I love seeing it. It's an awareness of God as a loving provider. But get this. In Luke 11:27-28 a woman in … Continue reading #Blessed?
