The greatest threats often come after the miracle. As joy spreads through Bethlehem, darker plans take shape in Jerusalem. King Herod’s fear turns deadly, and the lives of innocent children hang in the balance. Once again, those who know the truth must decide how far they are willing to go to protect it. In this …
Faith does not always stay safely within walls. Sometimes it must walk unfamiliar roads. Having escaped King Herod’s palace, Tabitha, Adam and Darius find themselves racing against time along the highway to Bethlehem. What began as a warning becomes a battle for lives and for the fulfillment of God’s promise. Along the way, courage is …
Some acts of faith happen far from crowds and pulpits. They begin quietly - in a workshop, with ink-stained hands and ancient words. When twelve-year-old Tabitha arrives in Jerusalem disguised as a boy to help restore King Herod’s library, she expects long days of careful work and little else. Instead, she finds friendship in unexpected …
Our Advent Faith Stories inspired me to share a verse that has helped me in difficult times. In recent years, my faith has been tested. Four years ago, my Mom, Dad and I were diagnosed with COVID. I had symptoms first, though light, and only needed a new inhaler. My parents weren’t as lucky. Their …
Last January I shared my experience with my Star Word “Journey” and I am still on that journey. When I received my new Star Word “Clarity” I knew that my journey was about to become clearer. On January 13, 2024, I wrote two acrostic poems and two prayers. I would like to share them with …
Waiting in my pew to head toward the alter for communion, I prayed to God that I would receive a star word that would help me “grow in my faith.” I didn’t look at the star until I returned to my seat. My 2024-star word was grow. Immediately, I got super organized. I assigned a monthly spiritual category that …
I started working at St. John’s two years ago. My very first Sunday was January 8, 2023 – Epiphany Sunday. I was immediately introduced to the St. John’s tradition of receiving a Star Word. There are a few reasons behind this tradition. First, the Magi followed a star, which ultimately led them to Jesus. Therefore, …
For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given... - Isaiah 9:6 I don’t remember what it was that I was wishing for that Christmas. I was ten and was very much into riding my bicycle and nurturing my four pet chickens. In fact, I had combined those two interests by …
The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them … for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. – Isaiah 11:6, 9 The …
Ruth 1:1-22 There is a contemporary gospel song that I tend to laugh at because it is not necessarily true. “Well, I've been lied on, cheated, talked about, mistreated, I've been used, scorned, talked about sore as bone. I've been up, down, almost to the ground. But as long as I got King Jesus, long …
