written by Fred & Ginny Karnas narrated by Penny Jenkins What is Peace? Scripture:  Our God is merciful and tender.  He will cause the bright dawn of salvation to rise on us and to shine from heaven on all those who live in the dark shadow of death, to guide our steps into the path of peace.”  (Luke 1:78-79) Meditation:  As Christmas approaches, songs of peace often emanate from our lips.  But do we know what peace looks like?   When we initially wrote these devotionals, there was much talk of war in Iraq, even as our nation continued to … Continue reading Advent Devotion: What is Peace?

written by Fred and Ginny Karnas narrated by Woody Jenkins Scripture:  … I was given a painful physical ailment . . . Three times I prayed to the Lord about this and asked Him to take it away.  But His answer was “My grace is all you need, for my power is strongest when You are weak.”  (II Corinthians 12: 7b, 8, & 9a). And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 3:7) Meditation:  I have known many dear friends who live or lived with a … Continue reading Advent Devotion: My Grace is Sufficient

Written by Ginny Karnas Narrated by Cole Severns Scripture:  Peace is what I leave with you; it is My own peace that I give you.  I do not give it as the world does.  Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.”  (John 14:27) Meditation:  When we moved to Fredericksburg in 1991 our two daughters were in the middle of fourth and seventh grades.  After a few days in their new school it became very apparent that our younger daughter was having great difficulty adjusting.  There were many tears and a real dread of going to school.  Despite … Continue reading Advent Devotion: For us…

written by Ginny & Fred Karnas narrated by Anita McCarty Scripture: “A virgin will become pregnant and have a Son, and He will be called Immanuel” (which means, “God is with us”).  (Matthew 1:23).                 For God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.”  (Hebrews 13: 5b) Meditation:  A pilot friend of mine told me a story of how he was flying in a storm somewhere over Florida.  The storm had gotten so bad that he had lost his bearings—he didn’t even know where he was.  But his … Continue reading Advent Devotional: God is With Us

written by Ginny & Fred Karnas narrated by Fred Karnas Scripture:  He helps us in all our troubles, so that we are able to help others who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we ourselves have received from God.  Just as we have shared in Christ’s many sufferings, so also through Christ we share in God’s great help. (2 Corinthians: 4-5) Meditation:  My father was an alcoholic. I have never written those words before.   It has taken me over 50 years to be able to acknowledge that hurt and shame in my life.  My father … Continue reading Advent Devotion: The Journey to Wholeness

"Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place…It is not a method of making our God and our way into the criteria for happiness but the opening of an opportunity to others to find their God and their way… hospitality is… a friendly emptiness where strangers can enter and discover themselves as created free; free to sing their own songs, speak their own languages, dance their own dances.. Hospitality is not a subtle invitation to adopt the lifestyle of the host, but the gift of a chance for the guest to find his own."

- Henri Nouwen

written by Fred and Ginny Karnas narrated by Judy Fiske Scripture:   Jesus said, “Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.  (Matthew 19:13-14) Meditation:  As I pulled my car into the parking lot at the shelter, I saw another car follow me into the small lot.  The car was crowded with children and belongings.  It looked like the family had endeavored to strap every last possession on the car’s roof, and the trunk strained with the remaining items.  As I sat and watched, three children climbed … Continue reading Advent Devotion: Sticky Kisses

Written by Ginny & Fred Karnas Narrated by Martin Tiller Scripture:  Remember this!  Whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.  (Luke 18:17) Meditation:  Children are an important part of our journey to Christmas.  The excitement of little ones as they restlessly prepare for bed on Christmas Eve and their sparkling eyes and shrieks of joy as they crawl under the Christmas tree to retrieve that much -wanted toy are the things that often define our Christmas memories. As we travel through the scriptures, we regularly encounter Jesus ministering to children, or sharing … Continue reading Advent Devotion: Wisdom Through the Eyes of a Child

Written by Ginny & Fred Karnas Narrated by Jerusha Tiller The Puppy in the Pocket Scripture:  Yet we who have this spiritual treasure are like common clay pots, in order to show that the supreme power belongs to God, not to us.  We are often troubled, but not crushed; sometimes in doubt, but never in despair; there are many enemies, but we are never without a friend; and though badly hurt at times, we are not destroyed.” II Corinthians 4:7-9 Meditation:  In the mid-eighties I volunteered as a receptionist at the St. Vincent de Paul medical clinic for the homeless … Continue reading Advent Devotion:

Written by Fred and Ginny Karnas Narrated by Sarala Kennedy The Good Work of the Church Scripture:   And so I am sure that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it on until it is finished on the Day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6) Meditation:  The late Elizabeth O’Connor was a founding member of the Church of the Saviour in Washington, DC and a great influence on my life.  Her thoughtful teachings on the meaning of call and the importance of Christian community continue to be grist for much contemplation on my role in the Kingdom. … Continue reading Advent Devotion: The Good Work of the Church