Coping

Pause & Reflect with me on the story of the Wise Men in Matthew Chapter 2:
"Wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."

During the holidays, we often travel to visit family and friends. What does the story of the Wise Men reveal to us about the journey we embark on this season?

Good morning. This is Chaplain Kevin. Would you pause with me and reflect as we begin this morning…

During the holidays, we travel to visit family and friends. Some of us embark on a journey across town, while others fly across the country. Whether we load up the car or board a plane, traveling can difficult, especially during the Christmas season.

Scripture tells the story of 3 astronomers who traveled, following a new star in the sky. They traveled a long distance and stopped to ask directions along the way. They did not know where their journey would take them, but their purpose for traveling was certain—they hoped to meet a newborn King.

Although traveling may be difficult this season, let us make the purpose of our journey certain. When we do so, we, like the wise men, may even encounter the Divine.

Where are your travels taking you this season?

How will you make the purpose of your journey certain today? 

Let’s pray: God, the journey is difficult at times. As we travel this season, be our guide. Make the purpose of our journey certain. Most of all, give us the opportunity to encounter you this Christmas. We pray these things in your Name. Amen.

Pause & Reflect with me on the words of Isaiah 9:2:
"People walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned."

During the holidays, Christmas lights decorate our homes inside and out. What can these lights teach us about being a light in our world?

Good morning. This is Chaplain Kevin. Would you pause with me and reflect as we being this morning.

During the holidays, Christmas lights decorate our homes inside and out. We wrap our Christmas trees with lights and hang them from the roof. These lights switch on at night so that they shine brightly and beautifully in the darkness.

The prophet Isaiah spoke about light saying: “People walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned.”

Our small, strung together Christmas lights not only display the beauty of Christmas but also, as Isaiah teaches; help dispel the darkness. As we celebrate with lights this season, let us intentionally shine our lights to illuminate the world around us.

How has God’s light dawned in your life?

Where is He calling you to shine your light today?

Let’s pray: God, you are the Light of the World. We hear your call to be a light in the world. Help us shine brightly this season. Give us the power to bring light, where it is needed most. We pray these things in your Name. Amen.

Pause & Reflect with me on the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:18:
"Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you."

One of the most favorite traditions of Thanksgiving is partaking in the leftovers from our holiday gathering. What does Thanksgiving teach us about a daily practice of gratitude? Listen now.

Good Morning. This is Chaplain Kevin. Would you pause with me and reflect as we being this morning…

Thanksgiving is the time of year when family and friends gather to share food and fellowship. But we all know that the best part of Thanksgiving is the left-overs. Where we get to turn one elaborate feast into many more enjoyable meals. 

I wonder if the spirit of Thanksgiving provides us with “spiritual left-overs” as well…

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you.”

If God’s will is for us to give thanks in all circumstances, perhaps this is the essence of Thanksgiving. God is calling us to turn a-one-day-a-year holiday into a daily practice of giving thanks.

What are you most thankful for?

How will you express your gratitude today and every day?

Let’s pray: God, thank you. Thank you for your provision. Thank you for your blessing. Show us today, how to give thanks in all circumstances. Help us turn our moments of gratitude into a practice of giving thanks. We pray these things in your Name. Amen.