Forged By Faith

John 1:5 NIV Christmas Day. The one day a year that our world, or at least some in it, set aside to celebrate the arrival of a tiny promise that would grow into an eternal salvation. It's a time when we slow down and reflect upon all we've been given, all we have to rejoice over, all we have to look forward to in the days ahead. Yes, Christmas is in many ways the best time of the year because it's the most different time of the year. And though not always popular or widely agreed upon, different can often be among the greatest of gifts. Ironically, most view this day here toward the end of December as a day of getting more. It's a season of exchanging gifts, unwrapping packages, and finding room for all the new excess unto which we've been bestowed. In recent years this holiday has become a rather commercial venue aimed at witty marketing ploys spent toward garnering the gluttonous greed of those who can't help but feel drawn to the allure of having a bunch of s...

John 1:5 NIV We've all had those mornings where we're sleeping peacefully. Finally getting some rest, not a care in the world, just comfy and cozy lying in our warm beds. Then light pierces the darkness and forces us to open our eyes. We're awaken from our restful slumber and forced to get the day under way. Usually we want to ignore that prompting to rise and get after it. We just want to sleep a little while longer. But eventually the light of day wins and we rouse ourselves to face the unknowns ahead of us. The dark is easier. It's more comfortable. It requires almost no effort because it's all about resting. That's why our world loves existing in the dark. It doesn't feel compelled to move, to change, to act. People can just lie in these comfy and cozy shadows doing whatever makes them feel good. Darkness provides this sense of comfort and relaxation that will always appeal to those who have things they're trying to hide or who loathe the idea of bei...