David and Beks sharing light with their church family Christmas Eve A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.Isaiah 9:6 Here is a short message of greetings, love, celebration, and peace. Merry Christmas to everyone! …
candles at WFPC Silent night, holy nightAll is calm, all is brightRound yon Virgin, Mother and ChildHoly infant so tender and mildSleep in heavenly peaceSleep in heavenly peace - "Merry Christmas" CHRISTMAS EVE, 2021: One of the problems with nostalgia is its implicit suggestion that the past is more desirable than the future. Even though …
Then Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said.” Then the angel left her. When Joseph woke up, he did just as an angel from God commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he didn’t have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. …
Continue reading The intrusion, the disruption, and the danger of Jesus
that (we) may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 This weekend, heading into the fourth week of Advent, I find myself wondering what exactly is all this expectation about? We talk about waiting, and anticipation, and this sense of journey, but a lot of …
- David and Beks with Geoffrey Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father; that will be enough for us.”Jesus replied, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been with you all this time? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I …
Continue reading A Picture of Love (understanding incarnation)
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:1-12 I have always thought that a Christmas Tree - or at least a real …
Note: The substance of this post first appeared in November of 2015. Reading it today, the words seem exactly right for this week's emphasis on "Mercy" and "Love." Enjoy, and please think about sharing DEREK For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in …
- Rebekah leading Christmas Eve worship 2019 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)Ephesians 2:4-5 writer/teacher Derek …
Continue reading Advent Week Three: Rich in Mercy because of Love
Think about what we have in Christ: the encouragement he has brought us, the comfort of his love, our sharing in his Spirit, and the mercy and kindness he has shown us. If you enjoy these blessings, then do what will make my joy complete: Agree with each other, and show your love for each other. …
For unto us a Child is born,Unto us a Son is given;And the government will be upon His shoulder.And His name will be calledWonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Of the increase of His government and peaceThere will be no end,Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,To order it and establish it with judgment and justiceFrom that time forward, …
Continue reading It’s no accident God delivered hope in a baby!
Derek Maul: Words, Photographs, and Food for the Journey 