The meaning, the message, the manger, and the Messiah: a photographic journey toward Christmas

For this is what Adonai says: “It won’t be long before one more time I will shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land; and I will shake all the nations, so that the treasures of all the nations will flow in; and I will fill this house with glory… and in this place I will grant shalom…” – Haggai 2:6-9
Every First Sunday of Advent I look to set a theme for the coming weeks leading to Christmas. I want to encourage everyone who happens by this page to take a series of meaningful steps towards engaging the Christmas season with more deliberate intention, navigating the journey through December without missing the most important central fact of the season, the coming of Jesus.
A Photographic Journey:

This year, “Christmas 2019”, I promise a photographic journey populated with images designed to invite us to shift our focus from what is “same-old, same-old” to something new and engaging.
Instead of what is mundane, I invite you to let 24 days of photography lead you to the meaning, the message, the manger, and the Messiah.
I took these first images Saturday afternoon, as Rebekah was beginning the process of decorating our house for Christmas. Evidently a whole host of angels have already taken up residence here in Maul-Hall. We intend to be open to what they are all so excited about.
“It came upon a midnight clear, this glorious song of old…”
It is coming now. It is a message we cannot ignore. It is a message of grace, and promise, and expectation, and complete love – DEREK
Nine photos to launch Advent 2019:
Christmas faith Our home photography writing life angels Christmas 2019 First Sunday in Advent Haggai it came upon a midnight clear messengers
derekmaul View All →
Derek has published seven books in the past decade (you can find them at https://www.amazon.com/Derek-Maul/e/B001JS9WC4), and there’s always something new in the works.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Derek taught public school in Florida for eighteen years, including cutting-edge work with autistic children. He holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and education from Stetson University and the University of West Florida.
Derek is active in teaching at his church: adult Sunday school, and a men’s Bible study/spiritual formation group. He enjoys the outdoors, traveling, photography, reading, cooking, playing guitar, and golf.